Grace McAlister
reporter1@riverbendnews.org
The Mystic Jungle Educational Facility is one of Live Oak’s unique, hidden treasures. The non-profit is owned by Vera and Mark Chaples, both native Floridians with a lifelong passion for caring for animals, both domestic and exotic. Vera's 37-year career in the veterinary medical field started by volunteering in Ft. Lauderdale at Three Oaks Animal Hospital at the age of 13. Mystic Jungle has offered lifelong homes to exotic wildlife through donations, sponsorships and grants.
On Friday, Oct. 11, Mystic Jungle got a call from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to see if they had the space and caging to take in a tiger. “This quickly became two tigers,” Vera said. The tigers’ previous facility suffered from flooding from Hurricane Ian, which severely damaged and compromised their caging.
This was the thinnest that Mystic Jungle had ever been spread, according to Vera. The facility had a prior commitment with a multi-specialist to assist with a fundraiser on the day the tigers arrived and also had to conduct a tour of the facility, as that is their main source of income. The tigers were sedated, had blood drawn, were given a physical and had a microchip implemented. One of the tigers was very dehydrated, so he was given fluids while under sedation.
The tigers, named Roy and RJ, were welcomed into Mystic Jungle with open arms. Vera described Roy as a “jokester” and RJ as “more serious.” At this time, the duo is in a Level I keeper area. This means Senior Keepers, FWC and USDA only are allowed beyond the barriers. They are still traumatized and afraid that their food and water may be cut off again. RJ was noted as resource-guarding his water pan when transporters tried to give him more during the trip.
Mystic Jungle was not only chosen because the facility was out of the storm zone, but because it has an exemplary record with USDA and FWC. Mystic Jungle has worked with animals that have had severe physical or mental trauma and have had extreme success. Vera stated both tigers are malnourished, and Roy is traumatized and anemic. They are now being fed small meals throughout the day and have vitamins added to their meat. They were also de-wormed upon arrival.
Vera is proud to say, “Roy and RJ are now joining the Jungle family forever. We are their last home.” The public is welcome to visit Roy and RJ. Vera adds they enjoy observing human activity.
Though many different animals can be found at Mystic Jungle, the facility is best known for its big cats, including its lions, tigers, bobcats and leopards. They also have lemurs and many other animals that locals would not typically have the opportunity to see up close. To keep these animals as comfortable as possible, the facility is kept as natural as it can be.
Mystic Jungle is unlike a zoo in that it is only open to the public on Saturdays for the animals’ comfort. “Nobody wants to be stared at all day, every day, so we are open only on Saturdays,” Vera said. On these days, the facility conducts educational tours to help those who may not have a clear understanding of the purpose of an exotic animal sanctuary.
Tours discuss the conservation and preservation of all species of exotic animals, putting their main focus on the Asian leopard that is being eradicated due to conflicts between humans and leopards. Mystic Jungle also does private tours, which can be scheduled by calling (386) 264-8910.
“The big cat/zoo community really came together in this time of such need,” Vera said. “Some places were hit harder [by Hurricane Ian] than others, but at the end of the day, the animals came first and we worked together to do the best for the animals.”
Mystic Jungle is always looking for donations to help build bigger habitats for its big cats. Donations can be made by visiting their website at mysticjungle.org/donate or by mailing a check to 13429 S Hwy 129, Live Oak, Fla. 32060. Vera added that Lowe’s gift cards are also very helpful for the purchase of lumber, paint and other supplies the facility may need for repairs.
Mystic Jungle is located at 13429 US Hwy. 129, in Live Oak.