Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Braitsch.
Hi Brian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Amazing Animals Inc. was born out of a deep passion for animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives. Founded in 2009, as a federally licensed 501(c)3, our mission was to raise funds to care for the many reptiles our founder was rescuing. Over the years, our team of dedicated animal lovers grew, and so did our mission.
We started by educating the community about the importance of conservation, taking our reptiles to schools, nursing homes, daycares, and birthday parties. As we grew, so did our animal family. In 2014, we moved to a 2.5-acre facility in Saint Cloud, Florida, to create a preserve for exotic animals in need.
Today, we are proud to provide a loving home for over 100 animals, including mammals like foxes, monkeys, kinkajous, bobcats, and more. We not only provide a safe haven for these incredible creatures, but we also share their stories and raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats.
We welcome visitors to our preserve, offering private tours and events where you can get up close and personal with our animal ambassadors. Our educational programs also extend beyond the preserve, as we travel to offsite locations to inspire and educate people of all ages about the wonders of the animal kingdom.
We are excited about the future and invite you to join us in our mission to inspire you to do something amazing for our natural world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the last 14 years, our Amazing Animals journey has been filled with incredible milestones—but also meaningful challenges that shaped who we are today.
One of the biggest obstacles has been building our facility entirely from the ground up. Creating a safe, high-quality, educational wildlife preserve takes time, expertise, and significant financial investment. Every habitat, every structure, and every improvement has been thoughtfully planned to meet the highest standards of animal care and guest experience. It’s been a slow, deliberate process—but one we are proud of.
Just as we were finally reaching a strong position operationally and financially, COVID-19 hit. The shutdowns and economic impacts drastically slowed our momentum. With no guests, limited staffing, and halted revenue, our growth came to a sudden standstill. Recovering from that period required resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to our mission.
A third major challenge has been staffing in such a specialized, high-skill field. Working with exotic animals requires extensive training, technical knowledge, and a deep commitment to safety and animal welfare. Over the years, we’ve had staff come and go, and rebuilding a strong, stable team has taken time. Constantly training new people while maintaining high standards is never easy.
Today, we’re proud to say we have one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had—passionate, reliable, and dedicated to the mission. But getting here took persistence and patience.
All of these challenges—construction, COVID, staffing—have shaped our story. They’ve taught us to adapt, to innovate, and to keep pushing forward no matter what. And because of that, Amazing Animals is stronger than ever, and still growing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce Brian Braitsch, a seasoned zoological professional with over 25 years of experience in the care, management, and strategic development of accredited zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities. Brian brings an exceptional blend of operational expertise, animal welfare knowledge, and executive-level leadership within both the zoological and nonprofit sectors.
Brian spent over a decade as a Senior Dolphin Trainer, working hands-on with more than 50 bottlenose dolphins across multiple social groups. During his 11-year tenure, he served as the primary trainer on several neonate teams, participated in hundreds of medical procedures, and contributed to seven successful dolphin births. He personally led more than 15,000 dolphin interaction programs, consistently delivering world-class guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and staff safety. He also mentored incoming trainers and played a pivotal role in shaping guest engagement strategies that elevated both brand reputation and revenue.
Beyond animal care, Brian has demonstrated a unique strength in creating boutique, mission-driven guest experiences that are both impactful and highly profitable. He understands the delicate balance between operational efficiency, exceptional guest service, and long-term conservation goals. His leadership is defined by a commitment to immersive programming that inspires connection, drives repeat visitation, and supports strong financial performance.
As the founder and CEO of a thriving nonprofit wildlife preserve, and as the Executive Director of a national conservation foundation, Brian has a proven track record of strategic planning, habitat design, and public engagement. He has built educational programs, managed capital campaigns, led advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., and served as a consultant to a range of zoological institutions across the country. Through his consultancy, Zoo Industry Services, Brian helps organizations of all sizes align their vision with operational excellence and guest-centered innovation.
Brian’s diverse expertise and passion for excellence make him an invaluable asset to any marine park seeking to grow, evolve, or reposition itself in today’s competitive and values-driven environment. His ability to seamlessly blend exceptional guest service, boutique experiences, and profitability—all while staying rooted in conservation and education—sets him apart as a visionary leader in the field.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about our city:
Our people. We truly have an incredible community—one that looks out for each other, supports local initiatives, and continues to grow in all the right ways. The sense of connection and pride here is unmatched. 
What I like least about our city:
The traffic. As our community expands, our infrastructure hasn’t fully kept up. We need wider roads, better access points to the Turnpike, and improved traffic flow to match our pace of growth. And while I’m at it—we could definitely use a few more high-end restaurants. I love to eat, and our city deserves dining options that match the quality of our community!
Pricing:
- We are open by appointment only and do private tours. We do tour seven days a week at 10 AM 12 PM and 2 PM. It’s$300 for 1-4 people for a private tour then $75 per person for additional guests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.amazinganimalsinc.org
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/amazinganimalsinc
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/amazinganimalsinc
