Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, Isle of Wight
We visited the Isle of Wight Zoo, aka the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, two times during our stay on the island. Such a cool experience, and worth every penny! We were lucky enough to be here during their Halloween festivities, which they did an amazing job of decorating the grounds and putting on a fun trail for the kids that included arts and crafts. Our 4 year old loved this! Even on non-holidays, they have a fun sheet for your child to fill out as they walk around and bring back for a surprise.
If you return within one week of purchasing your ticket, you can come back for only 1 pound! WORTH IT.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Information
Address: Yaverland Rd, Yaverland, Sandown PO36 8QB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1983 403883
Website: https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/
You are so up close and personal to the animals here. I have never been that close to a lion before! The white lions are stunning. We love that all of the animals have names and signs with their pictures and facts about them. By the time you leave there you feel as if you know the animals on a personal level! All of the animals seem to be well taken care of, happy, and content.
What Is the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary?
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a conservation-driven zoo set in Sandown, Isle of Wight. It’s home to rescued lions, tigers, lemurs, meerkats, monkeys, reptiles, and more. Each animal has a story, and the sanctuary does a fantastic job of educating visitors about ethical rescue and care.
With beautifully maintained enclosures, educational signs, and winding footpaths, this sanctuary lets you get incredibly close to the animals while feeling good about where your entry fee is going.
During our travels, we’ve learned to become Eco Tourists…while on a budget. Want to learn how we do it? We spilled all of our secrets here!
Animal Highlights and Exhibits at the Isle of Wight Zoo
Here are just a few of the amazing animals you’ll meet:
- White Lions – Absolutely stunning! We stood just a few feet away from these majestic creatures.
- Tigers – We caught a feeding time and watched them stalk and hunt for their food!
- Lemurs – So playful and curious. A big hit with the little ones.
- Meerkats, Monkeys, and Reptiles – Each area is well-marked and designed to feel natural and immersive.
Tip: Try to time your visit with one of the feeding talks. The keepers provide lots of insight, and it’s a fantastic way to see the animals in action.
Admission Prices & Return Deal
- Adults: £13.50
- Children (3–14): £10.50
- Under 3: Free
- Return Visit Within 7 Days: Just £1 per person with your original receipt
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (may vary seasonally)
Check their website for current hours and ticketing info
Kid-Friendly and Educational
Whether it’s a regular weekday or a special event, the sanctuary does a wonderful job catering to children:
- ? During Halloween, we enjoyed a fun trail scavenger hunt, crafts, and spooky decorations
- ? Kids receive activity sheets to complete and return for small prizes
- ? There’s a reading and play zone inside the cafe for when everyone needs a break
- ? Wide paths make the sanctuary stroller- and wheelchair-friendly
The Adventure Park at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
One of the unexpected highlights of our visits was The Adventure Park—a fantastic outdoor play area within the sanctuary that encourages imagination, creativity, and a whole lot of fun!
What’s Inside the Adventure Park?
The Adventure Park is perfect for little ones to burn off some energy and is designed with thoughtful, nature-based play in mind:
- Climbing structures and wooden play equipment
- A mud kitchen where kids can pretend to cook with water, soil, and leaves (bring extra clothes if your child is a messy chef!)
- A cozy drawing room with paper, crayons, and animal-themed coloring sheets
- Benches and shaded spots nearby for grown-ups to relax while the kids play
- All located within a safe, enclosed area near the café and gift shop
We loved how integrated this play area was with the sanctuary’s overall mission. Even in play, kids are encouraged to connect with nature, express themselves creatively, and build empathy for animals and the environment.
It’s not just a playground…it’s a thoughtful extension of the sanctuary experience that families with younger children will truly appreciate. Our 4-year-old loved both visits and constantly asks when we’re going back!
Layout & Accessibility of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
The sanctuary is easy to navigate and well-planned:
- Clearly marked trails and maps
- Shaded seating and resting spots
- Most areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Public transport access: Buses stop right outside the entrance
- Large car park on-site
Food & Facilities at the Isle of Wight Zoo
Vegan Café
We had a great experience at the on-site vegan café:
- Tasty meals and snacks
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Affordable and clean
Gift Shop
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop:
- Eco-friendly souvenirs
- Plush animals, books, and Wildheart gear
- A great way to support the sanctuary’s work
Amenities
- Clean restrooms (including accessible options)
- Water refill stations
Picnic areas for bringing your own lunch
The Mission Behind the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is more than just a zoo—it’s a safe haven for animals rescued from illegal trades, exploitation, or poor living conditions. They focus on:
- Animal welfare
- Public education
- Conservation partnerships
Donations and adoptions go directly to supporting their ethical rescue efforts.
You can donate or adopt an animal here: wildheartanimalsanctuary.org
Best Time to Visit the Isle of Wight Zoo
We visited in autumn and found it was a great time to go:
- Milder weather
- Smaller crowds
- Fun seasonal events (like Halloween!)
Weekdays tend to be quieter, and visiting during a scheduled keeper talk or feeding time is well worth planning for.
Final Thoughts
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a must-do for anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. It’s ethical, fun, educational, and genuinely moving. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply love animals, this is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.
We can’t wait to go back—and next time, we’ll stay even longer.
Looking for more animal adventures on the Isle of Wight? Check out the Donkey Sanctuary in Ventnor!
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