Located by the sea in Sandown, The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a haven for rescued big cats and exotic animals, offering an inspiring and educational day out. Dedicated to animal welfare and conservation, the sanctuary provides lifelong homes for creatures in need, while giving visitors the chance to hear their powerful rescue stories.

Among its residents are magnificent tigers, lions, and lynx, along with playful lemurs, reptiles, monkeys, and farm animals. The sanctuary is also now home to rescued bears, saved from lives of hardship, who are settling into their specially designed woodland enclosure. Watching these incredible animals explore, forage, and relax in safety is a truly unforgettable experience.

Keeper talks, interactive experiences, and beautifully landscaped enclosures bring visitors closer to the animals and their journeys. Families can enjoy outdoor play areas, picnic spots, and a welcoming café, making it a perfect balance of fun and compassion.

Every visit directly supports the sanctuary’s mission, helping to protect vulnerable species and provide safe, loving homes for animals that cannot return to the wild – ensuring they can live out their lives in peace by the sea.

Bus Route

2,3,8, Downs Breezer (Seasonal) & Island Coaster (Seasonal)