Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

What is Wildheart Animal Sanctuary?

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, located on the coastline of Sandown on the Isle of Wight, is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary focused on rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals. Spanning 8.5 acres, it is the largest collection of exotic animals on the island. The sanctuary occupies the historic grounds of Sandown Fort, a coastal defense structure built in 1864.

History and Transition

A zoo was first established on the Sandown Fort site in the 1950s, initially known as Sandown Zoo. It later became the Isle of Wight Zoo in the 1970s. After a period of disrepair, the zoo was taken over in 1976 by Jack Corney, who rebuilt it as a sanctuary, particularly for big cats and primates. Following his death in 2003, his daughter Charlotte Corney continued ownership and, in 2017, established the Wildheart Trust, transforming the zoo into a charitable trust. In 2021, it was officially renamed the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to reflect its evolving mission.

Animal Residents and Focus

The sanctuary is now a non-breeding facility, prioritizing the rescue and care of animals in need. Its residents include a white lion, two male lions rescued from a travelling circus, and four female tigers. Other felids such as Eurasian lynx and servals are also housed there. The primate section features various lemur species, including black, black-and-white ruffed, mongoose, red ruffed, and ring-tailed lemurs, alongside capuchins and spider monkeys. The sanctuary also announced plans to rescue two European Brown Bears from Azerbaijan.

Conservation Efforts

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary actively supports conservation through funding. Its principal project is 'Local Advocacy for Tiger Conservation in Bhadra-Kudremukh Tiger Landscape,' administered by the charity Global Tiger Patrol. This initiative underscores the sanctuary's commitment to wildlife preservation beyond its immediate residents. Previously, under its former name, the Isle of Wight Zoo achieved success in breeding critically endangered Madagascan animals as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

Historical Site Features

Sandown Fort itself holds historical significance, having housed thirteen pumps for Operation Pluto during World War II. One of these pumps has been restored and remains on display within the sanctuary grounds, offering a tangible link to the site's wartime past.