The roar of lions greets you as you enter McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, a powerful reminder that this is no ordinary place. The sound reverberates through the towering palmettos, as fractured sunlight spills onto the clean, well-kept grounds. This serene oasis in West Palm Beach is home to more than 200 animals, most of whom were rescued from neglect, unsafe conditions, or surrendered by owners unable to care for them.
At McCarthy’s, the stories behind the animals are as varied as the species themselves. Take Oliver, the squirrel monkey surrendered after attacking his owner’s new boyfriend, or Larry the Nile crocodile, who once lived in a bathtub. Larry, now thriving in his spacious pond, was named after Mark’s attorney, a fitting nod to the quirky history of many sanctuary residents.
Mark McCarthy and his wife, Aneth, live just across the street and have dedicated their lives to these animals. Beyond the daily feeding and cleaning, their work includes everything from caring for an Amur leopard, one of the world’s rarest big cats, to rehabilitating injured native species like red-tailed hawks. The animals’ well-being is paramount, and that commitment is reflected in every inch of the sanctuary. Whether it’s the low chuff of a Bengal tiger or the gentle squawk of a rescued parrot, McCarthy’s is a refuge where the rescued not only survive but thrive.
Founded in 1990, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary has become a haven for a diverse range of animals. Mark, who once worked in film production, moved from Miami to Palm Beach County, bringing with him a dream of creating a place where both exotic and native animals could flourish. The sanctuary’s eight acres are lush with trees Mark planted himself, and the pond—now home to dozens of abandoned pet turtles—was dug out by Mark as part of the foundation for the sanctuary.
Among the more unusual residents is Tattoo, a ring-tailed lemur native to Madagascar with a unique backstory. Tattoo was found wandering the parking lot at MetroZoo in Miami, abandoned by someone who could no longer care for him. When zoo staff realized he wasn’t one of their own, they called McCarthy for help. “Someone just dropped him off and left him there,” Mark recalls. “He was thin, wearing a collar that had slipped down around his waist.” Now, Tattoo thrives at the sanctuary, a testament to the many animals that find a second chance here.
But McCarthy’s isn’t just a home for the exotic. The sanctuary also rescues and rehabilitates animals native to Florida. Injured wildlife is often brought to the gate, where honking twice will bring someone to assist within minutes. Over the years, McCarthy has rescued everything from screech owls and tortoises to hawks and bobcats, rehabilitating and releasing them whenever possible.
Mark’s care for the animals goes far beyond their physical well-being. Many of the creatures at McCarthy’s have been with him for years. Norma Jean, a macaw gifted to Mark when she was just a chick, has been a cornerstone of the sanctuary’s educational outreach for over 33 years. She has participated in more than 7,000 wildlife programs, teaching over half a million South Florida students about the importance of conservation. “It’s important to keep the animals engaged,” Mark explains. “Just like a horse needs regular handling, these animals need constant interaction to stay connected.” Norma’s calm demeanor and experience make her a perfect ambassador for the sanctuary’s mission, highlighting the role education plays in the future of wildlife protection.
Despite the sanctuary’s peaceful atmosphere, it requires immense resources to operate. Cages cost $30,000 each, and the big cats alone consume 1,000 pounds of meat each week. With no government funding, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary relies solely on private donations, the generosity of supporters, and the dedication of volunteers. The Batchelor Foundation has been a crucial partner in keeping the sanctuary running, and Mark is deeply grateful for their ongoing support. “We couldn’t do it without them,” Mark acknowledges.
Over the years, McCarthy has faced his share of challenges. A rattlesnake bite once left him in a coma for three days, but instead of being deterred, he returned to his work with renewed passion. Today, he serves as a hub for anti-venom treatments, providing life-saving antidotes between Miami and Orlando.
As dusk settles in on the sanctuary every evening, you can feel the quiet harmony that exists between the animals and the people who care for them. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction here— the kind of content that only comes from doing meaningful work. For Mark, Aneth, and their team, the sanctuary is more than just a place for wildlife to live. It’s a place where exotic animals, once lost or abandoned, find peace, and where people find purpose, knowing their efforts will make a lasting difference.
Injured wildlife is often brought to the gate, where honking twice will bring someone to assist within minutes.
It’s a place where exotic animals, once lost or abandoned, find peace, and where people find purpose, knowing their efforts will make a lasting difference.