THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into an extraordinary evening with Max the tiger at the EARS sanctuary in Ocala, Florida. Enjoy a private candlelit dinner while learning about endangered wildlife and conservation firsthand.
Step into an extraordinary evening with Max the tiger at the EARS sanctuary in Ocala, Florida. Enjoy a private candlelit dinner while learning about endangered wildlife and conservation firsthand.
Book with Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary · Ocala, Florida
Located in the heart of Ocala, Florida, Dinners with Max offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share an intimate dinner with Max, a majestic tiger and charismatic ambassador of the EARS, Inc. Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary. This 2-hour private dinner experience sets itself apart from the typical wildlife encounter by blending engaging storytelling, world-class cuisine, and close-up interaction with one of nature’s most powerful creatures, all in a respectful, conservation-focused setting.
Ocala, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is surrounded by rolling hills, natural springs, and dense forests that shelter diverse wildlife. Within this vibrant outdoor recreation region, EARS, Inc. has become a standout sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating endangered animals, making it a critical part of local conservation efforts. Max, the tiger, serves not only as a symbol of preservation but also as an unforgettable dinner companion who steals the scene.
Guests arrive promptly at 6 pm to the sanctuary at 2250 NE 70th St., where a private candlelit table awaits in Max’s presence. The dinner menu is thoughtfully curated, including hors d'oeuvres, salad, entrée, and dessert, tailored to delight the senses while setting a warm, intimate tone. Meanwhile, Max’s natural charisma shines as he captivates the dinner party, creating an unforgettable interaction that blends excitement with education about endangered species and the crucial role sanctuaries like EARS play.
What makes this experience truly special is the balance between luxurious dining and authentic wildlife conservation education. Max is not just a star attraction — he’s an educational ambassador. The sanctuary’s dedication to humane animal care and environmental sustainability adds a meaningful layer to the evening, making this far more than a dinner; it’s a chance to connect deeply with Florida’s natural heritage.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary adventure close to Ocala, Dinners with Max delivers a bold and respectful wildlife encounter unlike any other. Beyond the unforgettable dinner with Max, visitors get insight into sanctuary operations and the broader mission of protecting endangered species. This one-of-a-kind experience offers intimate access, education, and culinary delight all rolled into a memorable night under the Florida sky.
Dinners with Max is generally suited for adult guests; please check directly with EARS for age restrictions.
Yes, the dinner menu can be customized to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.
No, pets are not permitted on sanctuary grounds to ensure animal safety.
Accessibility details should be confirmed directly with EARS as specifics can vary.
Guests dine in close, safe proximity to Max, separated by secure barriers maintained by the sanctuary.
EARS follows local health guidelines, which may include mask requirements and social distancing. Check before booking.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS, Inc.) in Ocala, Florida, operates a 35-acre rescue and sanctuary that offers guided wildlife experiences and a unique private dining encounter. The sanctuary is home to large carnivores including lions, tigers and bears and provides both public and private 1.5–2 hour guided walking tours across its property. Public tours present a structured, educational walking route where visitors learn the animals’ stories and see habitat areas up close. Private tours extend the same guided format with personalized focus tailored to visitor interests, allowing for deeper educational context and additional time with specific enclosures. Both tour formats are presented as guided experiences that move across the sanctuary’s 35 acres. The sanctuary also offers a signature experience called "Dinners with Max," a private, candlelit dining event where guests dine nearby a tiger named Max. The dinner experience is presented as an opportunity to support EARS, Inc. while enjoying an intimate encounter that combines fine dining and wildlife observation. Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary emphasizes visitor education through guided commentary and site-based interpretation. All public and private tours are described as guided walking experiences, and the property size provides room for multiple large-animal enclosures. Visitors seeking close-range wildlife encounters, educational tours, or a distinctive private dining experience in Ocala can choose from the sanctuary’s public tours, private tours, or Dinners with Max offerings.
Book with Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
