Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Isle of Wight – The place for animal lovers
Do you love animals? Do you want to see them up close and learn more about them? Then you should visit the Isle of Wight Zoo, also known as the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
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How to find the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Isle of Wight
It is a wonderful place where you can meet many amazing animals and help them have a better life.
The zoo is on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, on a beautiful beach called Sandown. Located at the eastern end of the promenade with parking in front of zoo for visitors.
The zoo can be found in the old fort, originally built to protect the island from invasion. The fort was built around 150 years ago.
What animals can I see at the Zoo
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Isle of Wight has many different kinds of animals. The zoo is most famous for the big cats and the animals from Madagascar, and is one of the top places to visit on the island.
Meerkats
Madagascar is far away from here and is a big island off the coast of South Africa. The island is one of a few places where you can find lemurs, monkeys and meerkats.
The Meerkats will often be seen sitting up tall keeping watch as they do in the wild.
They are very cute and funny, and they like to play.
Lemurs
You can currently see five different types of Lemur at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
Lemurs are primates characterised by a small body, a long nose, and large eyes. They look very cute and appear to be quite timid.
Lemurs have an interesting evolutionary history and the only reason they still exist today is because of Madagascar’s isolation.
Some of these animals were not happy before they came to the zoo, because they were treated badly or had no home.
Eurasian Lynx
Hopefully, you will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Eurasian Lynx.
There are 3 at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, but they are very secretive and like to hide away.
Although they live as a family group, lynx are solitary in the wild so we give them plenty of space and hiding places to get away from each other when they want to.
Monkeys
You can see monkeys at the zoo from both the African and South American continents.
Monkeys are very intelligent primates and closely related to humans. Some of the monkeys use their tails to hang from the trees.
The Spider monkey is able to do this, it can also reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as it swings through the trees. They originate from the rainforests of South America.
You can also see insects and reptiles
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary also has a Reptile House. Here you can get up close and see Tarantula, large land snails, stick insects, snakes and frogs.
Owls and a Cockatoo can also be found.
All in a good cause
The zoo was established to help animals that were being mistreated or homeless. The people at the zoo look after the animals so that they have a happy and healthy life.
Most of the animals come from habitats that are in danger of disappearing. Mostly because their homes are being destroyed or the animals are being hunted to extinction
.The sanctuary also shows how to protect the animals in their natural habitats. This can be seen with the tigers in India and the lemurs in Madagascar. But also helping the moths right here on the Isle of Wight.
Great day out for the family
When you visit the zoo, you can have a lot of fun and learn a lot about the animals and their stories. You can watch them play, eat and rest in their cosy enclosures.
When you visit the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary you can bring the family and have fun by bringing a picnic.
Be sure to see the days itineria and make the most of the talks prodided by the staff. Also you can join the tours get up close to the animals. Even feed and touch them. Feeding the big cats is great experience.
Can I book tickets online?
You can book tickets online at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website. Tickets can also the picked up in advance from the zoo at Yaverland Seafront in Sandown. PO36 8QB
Does the Isle of Wight zoo have a webcam?
Yes, there are 6 webcams. You can watch the cameras showing the animals here.
How much does it cost to visit the Isle of Wight zoo?
It is best to visit their website for the most up to date prices. But as guide the prices are:
Adult is £14.85 per ticket,
Child (3-14 yrs) £12.65 per ticket,
Disabled Carer Free
Family 2 + 2 £50.60 per ticket
Where can I see wildlife on the Isle of Wight?
Monkey Haven – Primate Rescue Centre.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
Shanklin Chine
Haven Falconry.
Amazon World Zoo Park.
Butterfly World and Fountain World.
Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve. Bodies of Water
