When a Florida Panther Paints With You: An Unforgettable Day at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
It’s not every day you find yourself standing just a few feet from a Florida panther, watching as it dips its massive paw into swirls of paint and presses it—deliberately, powerfully—onto a canvas you helped prepare.
But that’s exactly what happened when we visited Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter Farms, and it’s a moment my family and I will never forget.
This trip was part of a weekend getaway from Southwest Florida—one of those rare weekends when we could leave behind our usual routines in Cape Coral and dive into something deeper. We love exploring wildlife-focused destinations throughout Florida, especially those doing meaningful conservation work. As members of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), we’re passionate about supporting places that care for native species with respect and purpose.
And Busch? It’s one of the best wildlife sanctuaries we’ve ever experienced.
A Hidden Gem in the Palm Beaches
Whether you’re a local or exploring the area on vacation, visiting Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter is a must—especially if you’re spending time in the Palm Beaches. Just a short drive from West Palm Beach, this peaceful, beautifully designed sanctuary offers a much-needed escape from the bustle of coastal Florida.
And if you’re coming from Southwest Florida like us, it’s absolutely worth the drive. In fact, we’ll be linking this to our full Palm Beaches weekend getaway itinerary—because adding Busch Wildlife Sanctuary to your plans turns a great trip into something truly memorable.
A New Campus, A Bigger Mission
The sanctuary’s relocation in 2023 to a 19.4-acre property in Jupiter Farms marked a huge step forward for both animal care and visitor education. The new location, surrounded by towering pines and native vegetation, immediately sets the tone for reflection and respect.
As we wandered the shaded walkways and passed the newly built enclosures, it was clear that this space had been designed with the animals’ comfort in mind. The enclosures were large, naturalistic, and impeccably clean. Birds of prey had perches high above. Bobcats lounged in the shade. Gopher tortoises burrowed happily in soft sand.
We’ve visited many wildlife sanctuaries in Florida, but this one felt different. It didn’t feel like a place that showcases animals—it felt like a place that serves them.
Creating Meaningful Moments Before They Fly the Nest
Now that our teens are older—my son just graduated and my daughter will finish school soon—our family trips have shifted. We’ve moved from playgrounds and theme parks to experiences that spark conversation, curiosity, and memory-making in a deeper way.
This visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary offered just that.
It gave us space to connect with each other and with the natural world in ways that felt grounded and intentional. Watching my kids engage with the staff, ask thoughtful questions, and take in the quiet beauty of the sanctuary reminded me why these kinds of outings matter—especially now.
These aren’t just trips. They’re moments we’ll carry forward.
The Panther Painting Experience: Art, Enrichment, and Awe
The highlight of our visit was something I still have trouble describing without smiling: the Painting with an Animal experience, where we had the chance to work with none other than Charlie the Florida panther.
We were surprised (and thrilled!) to learn we’d be working with a panther. The experience is different each time depending on the animals available—and on this particular day, Charlie was ready to paint.
Inside a spacious indoor enclosure, Charlie paced calmly as her handlers set up canvases, paints, and enrichment tools. We were invited to pick the colors—blues and greens, inspired by the landscapes we love back home in Southwest Florida. Then, using target training, Charlie’s handler gently guided her through the canvas, letting her paws leave strong, expressive marks across the surface.
My son even got to assist using the target stick. The staff explained how this training helps animals like Charlie participate in their care—by calmly presenting a paw for inspection, stepping onto a scale, or receiving medical treatment.
Watching Charlie move, paint, and engage with the process was mesmerizing. She wasn’t performing. She was participating. And the painting we took home? It’s now one of the most meaningful pieces of art we own.
Conservation Through Storytelling
While the panther experience stole the show, every corner of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary told a story—and each one was powerful in its own way.
We learned about animals that had been hit by cars, taken in as illegal pets, or injured in the wild. Most are now permanent residents because they can’t safely return to their natural habitat. But they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving here, thanks to the care of an incredible staff.
My daughter was fascinated by the snakes and reptiles in the indoor exhibit. She pointed out each species, read every panel, and even quizzed us on Florida’s native snakes. Later, we spoke with an animal educator holding a beautiful barn owl. She talked about how many people don’t know how to live alongside the wild animals that we share our spacew with understand— how Busch’s mission is to change that through education.
A Team That Feels Like Family
We noticed this immediately: the people at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary care—deeply.
From the staff at the front desk to the animal care specialists leading our painting session, everyone we met was welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do.
They weren’t just reciting facts. They were sharing stories. Explaining behaviors. Answering every question with patience and pride.
We’ve seen firsthand, through our work with CCFW, how much impact a small team can make when they truly believe in what they do. And here, that belief radiated through every encounter.
Plan Your Visit: Practical Tips and Info
If you’re ready to plan your own visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Jupiter Farms, here’s what you need to know:
- Address: 17855 Rocky Pines Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Admission: Free (but donations are strongly encouraged)
- Parking: Plenty of free parking on-site
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for cooler weather, though summer is quieter and we found it easy to book experiences
- What to Bring: Water, hats, sunscreen, snacks or a picnic
- Accessibility: Pathways are stroller and wheelchair-friendly
- Special Programs: Animal keeper talks, family programs, homeschool events, and seasonal celebrations
- Animal Painting Experiences: These have a cost and must be reserved in advance. Available with various resident animals, depending on the day. For pricing and more details and to reserve experiences, visit https://www.buschwildlife.org
Don’t Miss Their Upcoming Events — Including Latino Conservation Week!
One of the things we love most about Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is that it’s more than just a place to visit—it’s a community hub for conservation, education, and connection.
We’re especially excited about their Latino Conservation Week celebration, coming up this September!
Join Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Celebrating Community and Nature
Latino Conservation Week: September 13–21
Featuring special bilingual programs (English & Spanish):
- Saturday, Sept. 13: 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)
- Sunday, Sept. 14: 11:00 a.m. (Spanish & English)
- Saturday, Sept. 20: 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)
- Sunday, Sept. 21: 11:00 a.m. (Spanish & English)
We love seeing spaces that reflect the diversity of Florida’s communities—and as a bilingual, bicultural family, this celebration means a lot to us.
You can check out their full calendar of events and family-friendly programs here. Many are free or donation-based, and they offer a wonderful way to return again and again throughout the year.
A Place That Stays With You
This wasn’t just another wildlife stop. It was a reminder of the kind of travel that fills you up—especially when your kids are growing faster than you’d like, and you’re holding onto these moments a little tighter.
If you’re planning a Palm Beaches getaway, or looking for a weekend trip from Southwest Florida that’s packed with heart, we can’t recommend Busch Wildlife Sanctuary enough.
Come for the panther. Stay for the stories. Leave with a deeper love for Florida’s wild side—and maybe even a painting to remember it by.
More Animal Adventures in Florida
If you’re like us and love finding unforgettable wildlife experiences across the Sunshine State, here are a few more amazing adventures we’ve explored and recommend:
Best Places to See Manatees in Fort Myers and Beyond
Discover the top spots to view gentle manatees up close, including natural springs, state parks, and hidden local gems ideal for families and nature lovers in Southwest Florida.
Wild Florida: A Unique Adventure Near Orlando
From drive-thru safaris to airboat rides and hands-on animal encounters, Wild Florida offers a full day of adventure just outside Orlando—it’s one of the wildest (and most educational) experiences we’ve had!
SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: A New Must-Visit Aquarium for Families
Explore this brand-new, kid-friendly aquarium filled with interactive exhibits, vibrant sea life, and playful learning moments—it’s the perfect indoor activity near LEGOLAND.
WaveRunner Dolphin Tour: the Most Exciting Dolphin Tour in Fort Myers Beach
Hop on a WaveRunner and zoom through the waters of Fort Myers Beach for an adrenaline-filled dolphin encounter you won’t forget—we spotted multiple pods right off the coast!
Funny Bunches of Goats: Goat Farm Tour In Naples
Get ready to laugh and learn as you tour a quirky and charming goat farm in Naples, where friendly goats and handmade goat milk products create a fun and unique experience for all ages.
Getting Close and Personal With Animals At the Lowry Park Zoo
Our visit to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo gave us the chance to meet rhinos, giraffes, and even stingrays—this zoo is deeply committed to conservation and makes learning fun for the whole family.
