Benji at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
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Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

4.4
·5k reviews·Yaverland, United Kingdom

A dedicated rescue sanctuary on the Isle of Wight, home to tigers, bears, lemurs, and more, focused on conservation and providing forever homes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
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Benji at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dedicated rescue sanctuary on the Isle of Wight, home to tigers, bears, lemurs, and more, focused on conservation and providing forever homes.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"This is without doubt the best animal sanctuary we have been to hands down."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Daily Talk Schedule

Catch keeper talks for insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. 🎤

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Much of the sanctuary is on flat ground, but comfortable footwear is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 4,690 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Tigers

The Majestic Tigers

Tiger Habitat

Witness the power and beauty of tigers, including their unique 'chuffing' vocalizations. A truly captivating sight.

Playful Rescued Bears

Playful Rescued Bears

Bear Habitat

See the recently arrived rescued bears, Benji and Balu, enjoying their new home and each other's company.

Lemur Encounters

Lemur Encounters

Lemur Habitat

Observe the energetic and social lemurs, a special focus of the sanctuary's conservation efforts.

Tanuki's Vocalizations

Tanuki's Vocalizations

Tanuki Habitat

Listen to the unique sounds of Pom, the male tanuki, as he vocalizes in his habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Animal Sightings

Visit during feeding times or when keepers give talks for the most active animals. Early mornings or late afternoons often offer better viewing opportunities as crowds thin out and animals become more active. Check the daily schedule upon arrival to maximize your chances of seeing specific animals.

Support a Great Cause

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is self-funded and dedicated to rescuing animals from difficult situations. Consider adopting an animal or making a donation to support their vital conservation efforts and provide forever homes.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Daily animal talks
Why
Engaging keeper insights
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Animals often more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Suze2theQ @wildharesanctuary
@wegmbzmvj
35.6K likes • 389.9K views

Check Daily Talk Schedule

Catch keeper talks for insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. 🎤

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Much of the sanctuary is on flat ground, but comfortable footwear is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Have you ever wondered what a tanuki sounds like? 🤔🔊 🐾 Well, you're in luck... Our male tanuki Pom has started vocalising while out and about in his habitat. Thanks to our Animal Carer Kerry for the footage!
wildheartanimalsanctuary
416 likes • 8.8K views
Casper had lived at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for 15 years 😢 #isleofwight #whitelion
bbchampshire
186 likes • 6.2K views

Second Day Discount

Take advantage of the second-day visit discount for a more relaxed experience. :moneywithwings:

Plant-Based Cafe Options

The cafe offers 100% plant-based meals, a bold and admirable choice. :forkandknifewithplate:

It looks like Kaiser Chiefs star Ricky Wilson enjoyed his IW trip! After pulling pints, he popped to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to feed the tigers yesterday! 🐯 #iwnews #IsleofWight #KaiserChiefs #WildheartAnimalSanctuary #RickyWilson
iwcountypress
32 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Daily Talk Schedule

Catch keeper talks for insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. 🎤

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Much of the sanctuary is on flat ground, but comfortable footwear is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Second Day Discount

Take advantage of the second-day visit discount for a more relaxed experience. :moneywithwings:

Plant-Based Cafe Options

The cafe offers 100% plant-based meals, a bold and admirable choice. :forkandknifewithplate:

WW2 History Nearby

Discover some WW2 history as part of your visit, adding another layer to your day. :military_helmet:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for its dedication to animal welfare and the excellent care provided by its staff. The rescued animals, especially the tigers and bears, are a major highlight, with many guests impressed by their active and happy demeanor. The sanctuary's conservation mission and educational talks are also highly valued, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

"This is a lovely centre for all of the animals which are magnificent. It is all self funding and they keepers do an amazing job with the animals - some of which have been rescued from private ownership to circuses to tourist attractions. Although some areas are gravel , the walk is on the flat for the majority of it. There is a cafe and shop. The bears are the latest edition and the looked very happy playing with each other in their new home. I loved it and would love to go again when visiting the IOW"

Janet Smith

"Incredible. Very well looked after animals, by a dedicated and kind team. The bears are the absolute highlight. You can see them genuinely celebrating their freedom and new lives in the IOW. The tigers were very active, and most of the animals seemed to be very relaxed - perhaps enjoying a very quiet visitor level, with kids back at school 😉"

Laura Barioli

"Great day out, lots to see and do well kept and maintained. The Two new bears were definitely a highlight. Cafe is 100% plant based which is a bold move but one that I admire. Overall nice day out."

Gaz jones

What People Like

Dedicated animal care
Rescued animals thriving
Active tigers and bears

What People Dislike

Some gravel paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The sanctuary is located in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. It's a short drive or a scenic 10-minute walk along the coast from many accommodations. Visitors can also use the hover travel combined ticket for easy access. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available for visitors. It's recommended to check their official website for any specific parking instructions or fees. TikTok

Yes, the sanctuary is accessible via public transport on the Isle of Wight, and it's also within walking distance of some areas. Instagram

Many visitors use a car for flexibility, but the hover travel combined ticket is also a popular and convenient option for reaching the sanctuary from the mainland. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular destination for day-trippers to the Isle of Wight, offering a fulfilling experience within a single day. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are approximately £15.40 for adults and £13.20 for children aged 3-14. Children under 2 are free. Prices may include a 10% Gift Aid donation. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Instagram

Yes, visitors can often take advantage of a second-day trip discount for a reduced price, allowing for a more leisurely exploration. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website for the most up-to-date information on opening times. TikTok

Yes, you can adopt and donate to support the animals at the sanctuary, contributing to their care and conservation. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals, with a special focus on tigers and lemurs. They also house rescued bears, lynx, and tanukis, among others. Instagram+1

Yes, the sanctuary hosts daily animal talks where keepers share fascinating insights into the animals' lives and conservation efforts. Instagram

The majority of the walk is on the flat, making it accessible for most visitors. Some areas may be gravel, but overall it's a manageable experience. Reddit

'Tiger Island' was a former name or attraction associated with the sanctuary, highlighting its significant tiger population and conservation focus. Instagram

It's a rescue sanctuary dedicated to providing forever homes for animals from difficult backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on conservation and education. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The sanctuary has a cafe that offers 100% plant-based meals, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and ethical choices. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, it's generally advisable to check with the sanctuary regarding their policy on outside food and picnics. TikTok

Yes, the cafe is entirely plant-based, so all options are vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Reddit

The cafe is generally family-friendly, offering a place to rest and refuel during your visit. Reddit

You can expect a range of plant-based dishes, catering to a sustainable and ethical dining experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tiger enclosures and bear habitats offer excellent opportunities for capturing stunning wildlife photos. Look for vantage points during keeper talks for dynamic shots. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography that could disturb them. Instagram

You can capture images of tigers, bears, lemurs, lynx, tanukis, and other rescued animals in their naturalistic habitats. Instagram+1

Depending on the enclosure design and the animals' behavior, you can get some great close-up shots, especially during feeding times or talks. Instagram

Be patient, use a telephoto lens if possible, and try to capture the animals' natural behaviors. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best. Instagram

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