The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a wildlife facility on the Sandown coastline that houses rescued big cats and primates in adapted structures. The site uses existing historic buildings to create open spaces where animals can recover and adjust to living safely under human care.

The site began in the 1950s as Sandown Zoo and later fell into neglect before being rebuilt in 1976. New management transformed it into a recovery program focused on helping abandoned and mistreated animals find refuge.

This is a place where people come to learn about animal rescue and care through direct observation and education. Visitors gain insight into how rescued animals rebuild trust and how the staff works to protect species that have been abandoned or injured.

Expect to encounter other visitors, particularly on weekends and school holidays when the facility becomes busier. Wear sturdy shoes and be ready for uneven ground since the site spreads across coastal terrain with varying levels.

The facility uses innovative bamboo dome structures specifically designed to house primates in a way that reflects their natural behavior. This structural design was groundbreaking and had not been attempted elsewhere in Europe for animal housing before.

Location: Isle of Wight

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Operator: The Wildheart Trust

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

GPS coordinates: 50.66116,-1.13974

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27