Our Grizzly Team.
Grizzly Ranch is powered by a small but dedicated team of animal lovers, caretakers, and volunteers who share a deep passion for wildlife and education. Every member of our team plays an important role in providing exceptional daily care for the animals while creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
From feeding and habitat maintenance to educational tours and rescue support, our team works hands-on every day to ensure the animals receive the highest level of care and enrichment. Many of us have backgrounds in animal care, agriculture, or wildlife education, and we all share the same mission: to give people the opportunity to connect with animals in a respectful and memorable way.
What truly makes Grizzly Ranch special is the heart behind it. Our team believes in hard work, compassion, and creating a place where families can learn about animals while enjoying the beauty of the ranch.
Together, we are committed to growing Grizzly Ranch into a place where animals are cared for with dedication and visitors leave with unforgettable memories.
Founders Story
Dexter Osborn: A Story of Resilience, Healing, and Purpose
From a very young age, Dexter Osborn loved animals. But at just six years old, his life changed forever due to a tragic accident that would ultimately shape his life’s purpose.
On June 13, 1992, Dexter and his mother spent the day aboard a friend’s catamaran. Unbeknownst to anyone, a liquid propane leak had filled the hull of the boat. As the children played a simple game of “I Spy,” the boat’s owner attempted to cook lunch, igniting a devastating explosion. Flames burst from the hatch, engulfing the passengers. Some adults and children jumped into the water, but Dexter’s mother kept him aboard, fearing he would go into shock, and helped extinguish the flames covering him.
There were three adults and three children on the boat, all of whom survived by sheer luck and courage. A nearby boater witnessed the explosion, rushed to help, and used wet towels to treat the burns until help arrived. Dexter was airlifted by helicopter to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for three weeks in the ICU. While hospitalized, he contracted chickenpox, further complicating his recovery. Dexter had suffered burns over 57% of his body and ultimately spent nearly a year in the hospital. His treatment included multiple debridements and skin grafts, and afterward he wore a facial mask and specialized compression garments to aid healing. Shriners Hospitals generously sponsored his medical care and physical therapy.
Returning to school as a second grader was incredibly difficult. Wearing a mask and medical garments made Dexter the target of bullying, and daily life became a constant struggle. Changing schools did little to ease the situation. At home, things were no easier. An unsafe home environment, leaving Dexter without a sense of security or belonging.
That sense of belonging came unexpectedly when Dexter discovered a small zoo in Hollywood, Florida — the Seminole Indian Village. At just 12 years old, he began volunteering there. The village was run by Michael “Skeet” Johns, who recognized that Dexter needed confidence, purpose, and a safe place to grow. Dexter started by cleaning enclosures and caring for animals, eventually learning to handle many different species. The Seminole Tribe is known for its long history of alligator handling, and Dexter was taught how to safely demonstrate this traditional practice in an educational show setting.
Before long, Dexter was performing animal shows for visitors, including alligator demonstrations and snake programs, while educating the public about wildlife. Being on stage with the animals gave him confidence for the first time. The focus was no longer on his scars, but on the animals he loved. That experience ignited a lifelong passion.
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At 14, Dexter left home and moved into the village, spending every day immersed in animal care. Over the years, he worked with a wide range of species — including tigers, elephants, and other large, intelligent animals — but bears always held a special place in his heart. He gained hands-on experience raising and caring for bears and later went on to manage Okalee Indian Village. With years of experience behind him, Dexter obtained his own licenses to care for bears and other wildlife at a licensed facility.
In 2009, Dexter and his family purchased property in Naples, Florida, with the dream of providing a forever home for bears in need and educating the public about bear safety. Through Grizzly Ranch and Florida Black Bear Rescue, several bears have been rescued, and Dexter has spoken at numerous community events about coexistence and safety. Following increased human–bear conflicts and a statewide bear hunt, the mission expanded. A big move to Alabama gave a new chance to have a larger property without all the busyness of Naples, FL.
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Grizzly Ranch moved to a 22 acre property in Hartford, AL. Giving a chance to expand and give larger natural habitats while also being able to take in more animals in need. Adding BearBnB cabins to allow visitors a chance to watch the bears at their leisure. Daily Educational Tours of the facility are now held daily.
Dexter’s greatest dream extends beyond animal rescue. Having endured trauma, isolation, and recovery as a child, he hopes to one day establish a camp for children who are burn survivors — a place where they can heal, build confidence, and discover the same sense of purpose that animals gave him.
From tragedy to transformation, Dexter Osborn’s journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the healing power of connection — both with animals and with one another.
