The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is based on Sandown Beach on the east coast of the Isle of Wight and is a well-established, popular wildlife centre. Formerly known as Sandown Zoo or the Isle of Wight Zoo it is well-loved by the local community and widely visited by residents as well as tourists.
Located in a Victorian fort built in 1862, they are home to tigers, lions, lynx, lemurs, monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and many more species. It is a special place for rescued animals to flourish in a caring environment and they inspire people to take positive action to protect the planet and the animals we share it with. Visitors can enjoy their award winning talks and encounters throughout the day which enhance your experience within the sanctuary.
Many of the animals were rescued from appalling conditions and suffering but visitors can now enjoy watching them at peace in their forever home by the sea. In many ways we are a story of redemption and hope. Once upon a time, the zoo owners used to walk tiger cubs on the beach, and they’re still famous for it on the Island but nowadays their focus is on giving their animals a happy retirement.
Originally family-owned we became a Registered Charity 2017 called The Wildheart Trust, which is dedicated to realising its global ambitions to make a meaningful impact on the health of the natural world while actively improving the well-being of animals in human care.
The Trust aims to promote the survival of endangered species through first-class educational and recreational experiences, exemplary animal management, conservation and research. The sanctuary is well known as a centre for rescued big cats, all have come to their forever homes at the sanctuary at different stages of their lives and from a variety of backgrounds.
It is also committed to providing a life-long, loving home to rescued big cats and other animal residents and the team work holistically to ensure each individual has an enriched and meaningful life.
The Wildheart Trust actively funds and donates its human resources to assist with the in-situ conservation of tigers (in India), lemurs (in Madagascar) and rare moths (IOW). The zoo was built within the ruins of a Victorian Fort built to guard Sandown’s coast, which means we face one of the Isle of Wight’s nicest beaches. Once upon a time, the zoo owners used to walk tiger cubs on the beach, and they are still famous locally for it. Nowadays they focus on looking after older tigers and giving them a happy retirement.
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a perfect family day out on the Isle of Wight with something special for everyone to enjoy and their rescued animals are waiting for you. Come and visit them in their happy forever home in their sanctuary by the sea on the Isle of Wight and get a taste of the wild side. Book your encounter now on their website here.
They can’t wait to meet you.