Philip’s Animal Garden
Aruba's unique animal sanctuary offering close encounters with rescued mammals, reptiles, and birds. Feed and interact with a variety of creatures!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Caretakers feeding animals
Philip’s Animal Garden
Best Time
Caretakers feeding animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aruba's unique animal sanctuary offering close encounters with rescued mammals, reptiles, and birds. Feed and interact with a variety of creatures!
"It is so wonderful being able to feed and interact with so many animals. Our kids had a great time!"
Bring Cash for Treats
Most animals love treats! Bring cash to purchase cups for feeding encounters.
Plan Your Transport
Taxis can take a while. Consider renting a car or pre-booking your ride.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feed the Monkeys
Monkey Enclosure
Get up close and personal with playful monkeys, offering them treats for an unforgettable interaction.
Baby Tortoise Cuddles
Reptile Area
Experience the gentle nature of a baby tortoise, a unique and heartwarming photo opportunity.
Exotic Animal Encounters
Various Enclosures
See and learn about rescued animals like camels, pythons, and even a baby tiger.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Animal Encounters & Feeding
Transportation & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Treats
Most animals love treats! Bring cash to purchase cups for feeding encounters.
Plan Your Transport
Taxis can take a while. Consider renting a car or pre-booking your ride.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around to see all the animals, so comfy shoes are a must!
Check Feeding Times
Visiting during feeding times offers a chance to interact closely with animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Treats
Most animals love treats! Bring cash to purchase cups for feeding encounters.
Plan Your Transport
Taxis can take a while. Consider renting a car or pre-booking your ride.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around to see all the animals, so comfy shoes are a must!
Check Feeding Times
Visiting during feeding times offers a chance to interact closely with animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible animal encounters and the opportunity to feed and interact with a variety of rescued creatures, making it a highlight for families and animal lovers. However, some guests have noted issues with staff friendliness and taxi service upon departure, suggesting pre-planning transportation is wise. +1
"My husband and I went for a visit while we were on our honeymoon. When we arrived, we were greeted quickly and received cups with treats for the animals and were told which ones we could feed. While the website mentioned a tour, we did not receive one and we weren’t sure how to find the tour; it didn’t look like anyone was on a tour when we were there, and it could have been because we visited on a Sunday, but no details were provided. The experience itself was lovely with the animals. The story itself explaining (on the website because there was no tour) was incredible to read.
When we were leaving, the staff were not as friendly as we were hoping. They offered to call us a cab and were told we’d wait 15-20 minutes, but we unfortunately waited nearly an hour for a cab. Thankfully we were able to wait where there was shade! We had spoken to 3 separate people checking in for our cab and they confirmed that they had called. When we were offered by the woman inside to call us a cab, we asked if someone had spoken to her about calling one, and she had said no. It was super irritating considering the 3 people we had spoken to were at the front entrance on their phones texting. I hope to return someday with a better experience with the staff and the service. But again, the experience with the animals was super lovely. If you’re visiting consider pre-book a cab or rent a vehicle. We wish we did, we would have left in a better mood."
Vanessa J.
"This place is worth a visit! We went early in the morning while the caretakers were feeding the animals and they allowed us to feed the monkeys!! I was also able to hold a baby tortoise which is one of my favorite animals! Loved this place. Takes about 40 minutes to walk the entire place."
Stephanie Rudis
"This was a great experience, our tour guide June was really awesome! He knew his stuff and explained the history of everything well. Would definitely recommend for everyone to try this out ! The animal sanctuary was so cool as well, I’ve never seen a camel in real life and it may have been the highlight of my day!"
Maya Fetic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Philip's Animal Garden is located in Aruba. Many visitors opt to rent a car for flexibility, as public transport can be limited. Taxis are available, but be prepared for potential wait times, especially when leaving.
Public transport options to Philip's Animal Garden can be infrequent. Renting a car or arranging private transportation is generally more convenient for reaching the attraction.
Renting a car offers the most freedom to explore Aruba and reach Philip's Animal Garden at your own pace. Alternatively, pre-booking a taxi or shuttle service can ensure a smoother journey.
Travel time to Philip's Animal Garden will depend on your starting point on the island. It's advisable to factor in travel time when planning your visit, especially if relying on taxis.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Philip's Animal Garden for visitors who choose to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Philip's Animal Garden is typically around $10 per person. It's recommended to bring cash, as this is often preferred for entry fees and donations.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates on ticketing procedures.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the most current information directly from Philip's Animal Garden before your visit.
Absolutely! Visitors can purchase cups of treats to feed many of the animals, which is a popular and enjoyable part of the experience.
Philip's Animal Garden is generally family-friendly, and children of all ages can enjoy the encounters. The interactive nature makes it great for kids from 5 to 14.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can encounter a variety of rescued animals including monkeys, camels, snakes, horses, donkeys, peacocks, baby tigers, ducks, and turtles.
Most visitors find that it takes about 40 minutes to walk through and enjoy the entire garden.
While some visitors mention tours, others note a lack of formal tours. It's best to inquire upon arrival about any available guided experiences or information sessions.
Yes, interaction is a key part of the experience! You can feed many of the animals and some, like baby tortoises, can even be held. +1
Yes, Philip's Animal Garden is a great option for a rainy day, offering a unique and engaging activity when outdoor plans are disrupted.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memorable moments feeding the monkeys, holding a baby tortoise, or posing with the various exotic and farm animals. +1
Photography is generally encouraged, allowing you to capture the unique encounters with the rescued animals.
While specific restrictions are not widely mentioned, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them.
Mornings, especially during feeding times, can offer great opportunities for active and engaging animal photos.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the fun interactions. If you're serious about wildlife photography, a camera with good zoom capabilities might be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Bring cash: Essential for purchasing treat cups to feed the animals.
* Plan transport: Consider renting a car or pre-booking taxis to avoid long waits.
* Allow ample time: About 40 minutes is usually enough to see everything.
* Morning visits: Often coincide with feeding times, making animals more active.
Budget Travelers
Tips for budget-conscious visitors:
* Pack snacks and water: While you'll buy treats for the animals, bringing your own snacks can save money.
* Carpool or rent efficiently: If traveling with others, renting a car and splitting costs can be economical.
* Focus on interactions: The feeding and petting opportunities are the main attractions and are included with the treat purchases, offering great bang for your buck.
Animal Lovers & Enthusiasts
Highlights for animal lovers:
* Diverse species: See exotic animals like camels and baby tigers alongside farm animals.
* Interactive feeding: Engage directly with animals by offering them treats.
* Sanctuary mission: Learn about the rescue stories and support animal welfare.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanctuary Mission
By visiting, you contribute to the ongoing care and rehabilitation of these creatures. The garden provides a safe haven for mammals, reptiles, birds, and farm animals, many of whom have faced difficult circumstances. This aspect resonates with visitors looking for meaningful travel experiences.
Understanding the sanctuary's role adds depth to the visit. It transforms a simple outing into an opportunity to learn about animal welfare and conservation efforts on a local scale.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Beyond feeding, some animals are available for gentle petting or even holding. The chance to hold a baby tortoise, for instance, is a unique experience that many visitors cherish. These close encounters foster a connection with the animal kingdom and are often cited as the most memorable parts of the visit.
It's important to follow the staff's guidance on which animals are safe to interact with and how to do so respectfully. This ensures both the visitors' and the animals' well-being, making the interactive experience positive and educational for everyone involved.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
This allows for spontaneous feeding opportunities that are a major draw. Transportation is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. While taxis are available, some have experienced long wait times for pick-up. To avoid frustration, consider renting a car for more control over your schedule or pre-booking your return journey.
Allow approximately 40 minutes to comfortably explore the garden and enjoy the animal encounters. Visiting in the morning, especially during feeding times, can offer more active and engaging interactions with the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit