The Bartram Animal Lovers Club took a field trip on February 6 to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a nonprofit created as a rescue center and sanctuary for exotic species, many of which are provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Reserve’s goal is “to educate the public about exotic animal ownership, to prevent future animal abuse; to foster an awareness of endangered species and their dwindling wild habitats.”

Accompanied by Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus faculty members and club sponsors Deborah Carney, Laura Boswell and Brooke Ward, the students enjoyed a personal guided tour with a discussion of each species and each resident’s specific story. Some of the species seen up close included lions, ligers, tigers, leopards, wolves, Kodiak bears and hyenas. Carney said the club learned a great deal from their guide during this unique experience. #BollesBartram