Isle of Wight Stays

The Isle of Wight Zoo and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a popular wildlife attraction located right on the seafront in Sandown. It has a unique and important mission, focusing on the rescue and conservation of animals, particularly big cats and primates. With its beautiful coastal setting and commitment to animal welfare, the zoo offers an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Key Features of the Isle of Wight Zoo and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary:

1. Big Cat Rescue and Conservation - The zoo is best known for its work with big cats, particularly tigers, lions, and jaguars. Many of these animals have been rescued from difficult circumstances, including circuses and the illegal pet trade. The sanctuary provides them with a safe and caring environment, where visitors can learn about their stories and the challenges they face in the wild. The zoo’s efforts in conservation also extend to supporting projects worldwide that protect wild habitats.
2. Primates and Other Exotic Animals - Besides big cats, the sanctuary is home to a variety of other animals, including primates like lemurs and marmosets, meerkats, reptiles, and farm animals. Each species has its own specially designed habitat, allowing them to thrive and engage in natural behaviors. The zoo’s focus on rescue means that many of these animals have been given a second chance at life, and visitors can learn about their journeys.
3. Beautiful Coastal Setting - The zoo’s location right next to Sandown Beach provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the animal exhibits. Visitors can hear the waves and enjoy the sea breeze as they walk through the sanctuary, adding a unique coastal charm to the experience. The zoo’s enclosures are designed to blend with the natural surroundings, creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
4. Educational Talks and Animal Experiences - To deepen visitors' understanding of the animals and conservation, the sanctuary offers regular talks and feeding demonstrations. Zookeepers share insights into the animals’ behaviors, habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts. Visitors can also participate in special experiences, such as “Keeper for a Day” programs, where they can help care for the animals and get a behind-the-scenes look at the sanctuary’s operations.
5. Themed Exhibits and Walkthroughs - The zoo has several themed areas, including a Madagascar zone that houses the charismatic ring-tailed lemurs. Visitors can walk through this area and see the lemurs roaming freely, as well as learn about the challenges facing these creatures in the wild. There are also exhibits that focus on reptiles and other exotic species, each designed to highlight the diversity of the animal kingdom.
6. Focus on Animal Welfare and Rehabilitation - As a sanctuary, the Isle of Wight Zoo emphasizes the importance of animal welfare. Many of its residents have been rescued from poor conditions, and the zoo works to rehabilitate and provide them with a comfortable, enriching environment. The sanctuary’s goal is to raise awareness about animal conservation and the need to protect wildlife both locally and globally.
7. Café and Gift Shop - After exploring the sanctuary, visitors can relax at the Wildheart Café, which offers a range of refreshments, including sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, such as plush animals, educational books, and wildlife-themed gifts, with proceeds supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.

A Sanctuary with a Purpose

The Isle of Wight Zoo and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals; it’s a center for education, rescue, and conservation. By providing a safe haven for rescued animals and advocating for the protection of wildlife worldwide, the sanctuary offers visitors the chance to connect with and learn about some of the planet’s most majestic and vulnerable creatures. Whether you’re fascinated by big cats, curious about lemurs, or simply looking for an engaging day out, a visit to this sanctuary in Sandown is both an inspiring and heartwarming experience.