Verified Company
The Wildheart Sanctuary is not a zoo — and that’s exactly why it is one of the most important animal welfare places we have.
If you come here expecting animals performing for crowds or pacing up to the fence every five minutes for entertainment, you will miss the entire purpose of this place. These animals are rescues. Many have come from traumatic, abusive or exploitative backgrounds. The Sanctuary gives them what they should have always had: peace, safety, and a life free from being “on display”.
I first visited almost by accident — and within a single visit I knew I’d be back. That one experience turned into a long-term project for me: a photographic study of the big cats who live here, their personalities, their scars, and their recovery. I’ve since adopted Zoppa, taken part in the tiger feed experiences, become a member, and now try to visit monthly. Every time, I learn something new about these incredible animals and the people who protect them.
What people misunderstand
A few visitors come in expecting a traditional zoo setup, and then leave reviews complaining the animals weren’t “performing”, or that they were resting, or that the park is “quiet”.
Those complaints say far more about the visitor than the Sanctuary.
These animals are not here to entertain us.
They are here to heal.
Sometimes they sleep. Sometimes they come over to investigate you. Sometimes they stay in their dens.
All of it is normal. All of it is good.
The only thing that ever spoils the atmosphere is the occasional ignorant behaviour — like people whistling at tigers to get their attention. Please don’t be that person. Respect their space.
The good stuff (which is nearly everything)
• The staff and volunteers are exceptional — welcoming, knowledgeable and clearly devoted to the animals. You can ask anything and they’ll explain the history, the behaviours, and the challenges with real passion.
• The enclosures are spacious, clean, and built with welfare in mind. Not for our convenience — for the animals’ comfort.
• The entire sanctuary is spotless and well maintained.
• The café is surprisingly excellent — genuinely one of the best lattes I’ve had anywhere.
• The atmosphere is calm, peaceful, and respectful. No loudspeaker announcements, no gimmicks — just a place where animals finally get to live in dignity.
If you appreciate animal welfare, conservation, or simply want a meaningful experience rather than a flashy one, the Wildheart Sanctuary is one of the most rewarding places you can visit.
If you’re looking for a cheap zoo thrill, this is not that — and that’s a good thing.
For me, this place has become more than somewhere I visit.
It’s something I’m now documenting, supporting, and proud to be connected to.
Five stars doesn’t feel like enough for what they do here.
Verified
Birthday party
We had my daughter's 10th birthday at Wildheart. They all absolutely loved their day out there.Even though the weather was wet, we still got to see a fair few animals even got to feed the pigs and goats.Cat, our party host was really fun and attentive with the perfect amount of freedom and structure to the day. The food in the cafe afterwards was really tasty and great portions. Would definitely recommend this for a kids party.
We visited today and had a wonderful time here. I was a little jubious about coming back as it has been years since we were last here, however we were NOT disappointed at all. The staff were amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly, especially the lady in the lemur walkabout today. She is a credit to the zoo. Unfortunately we didn't get her name, but please pass on our thanks (I'm the lady with the yellow walker that the lemur took a liking too!!) she was extremely friendly, very compassionate about her job and it showed. We would definitely go back, you can get really close to the animal here and we managed to get some wonderful pictures. Thank you once again. With love from the Goss family. Xx
Entry is slightly confusing as you have to queue up with people buying food in the cafe. Make sure you buy a carpark ticket before you go in.
There are out of date signs as you walk around and the whole place seems very run down.
It's very expensive to get in bearing in mind how little there is to see.
Verified
It isn’t just a zoo, it really is a haven and sanctuary!
We had a lovely day at the sanctuary. It was wonderful to see all the different animals and learn fascinating facts and information from the staff. I’m not usually a fan of places like this but I can see they care for the animals very well and have rescued them, giving them a beautiful home. It’s not just a zoo, it’s a place of safety, comfort and sanctuary.
The best sanctuary I have ever visited they are so well cared after. The animals are so cute and they have loads of them. The new bears are SO cute and I love it when they playfight. They look like little cats. They have a great restaurant with amazing delicious food and great options for kids to play.
We had our daughters 7th birthday party at the zoo this weekend and it was above and beyond what we had expected. They had two amazing ladies called kerrie and Jade who ran the whole event, teamed with the catering kitchen who provided amazing for and service. The whole experience was flawless from start to finish, Kerrie and Jade had the children fully engaged delivering interesting facts about the animals. We then enjoyed games in the bug and reptile house and even got to meet some of the creatures out their enclosures. The absolute highlight was seeing the bears and having them walk underneath us in the viewing box. Thankyou so much Kerrie Jade and team.
Also just to say how good the coffee and soup was.Xxx
