Isle of Wight animal attractions

The Isle of Wight has a great selection of family-friendly animal sanctuaries, wildlife parks and zoos. Visit a farm and meet sheep, cows, chickens and pigs; take an alpaca on a walk; get up close with donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs and even enjoy an exotic animal encounter and learn about some of the world’s most beautiful and rare animals, ranging from tigers, lions and leopards, to monkeys, meerkats and lemurs.

You can watch dramatic flying displays featuring birds of prey from around the world. There are tropical birds to see with collections of penguins, parrots and even elegant flamingos. And that’s not all! There are also impressive tropical houses with hundreds of butterflies roaming freely as well as a great range of bugs and reptiles.

The Isle of Wight’s rich natural habitats and its landscape and surroundings make wildlife spotting a fun experience too. Look out for red squirrels in our woodlands, rare butterflies on our coastal paths, and you might even spot a pod of dolphins swimming in the sea during the summer months.

Read on for more details about the wide range of animal attractions across the Isle of Wight…

North Wight

Quarr Abbey

A working Benedictine Monasrty, Quarr Abbey is a great place to visit for all the family. Here you can meet the pigs and, if you are lucky, their piglets too! Pick up one of the free ‘Explorer Kits’ and explore the Abbey grounds, woodland walk and hide learning more about the local flora, fauna, insects and wildlife. 

Haven Falconry

Housed at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, this newly built dedicated Bird of Prey Centre houses the largest collection of birds on the Isle of Wight, with over 50 birds of 22 different species. You’ll also find Pets Corner, a Ferret Skywalk and a Reptile and Insect Hotel. Feeling adventurous? The team here offer pet handling and ferret walking opportunities!

South Wight

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Providng a loving home for over 100 donkeys that have been neglected or abandoned, this sanctuary is set in 55 acres of the picturesque Wroxall valley, with a wildlife area to explore, shop and café inside a converted rustic barn. Take part in an activity such as donkey grooming or shetland slalom, then enjoy a delicious meal in the onsite Grazers Café.

East Wight

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Wildheart is the Isle of Wight's largest animal attraction and is well known as a centre for rescued big cats. The sanctuary aims to promote the survival of endangered species through educational and recreational experiences, conservation and research. A brand new primate rescue facilitiy is now open which houses many primate species. Constructed of two giant bamboo domes, these structures tower over the buildings of Sandown.

Amazon World

Amazon World is an exotic animal attraction that allows you to walk through jungle rainforests as colourful rare birds fly overhead and crocodiles watch you from the pond! Discover unusual and rare animals like the Tamandua, an anteater that lives in the trees and watch from the raised walkway to see how the animals behave in their enclosures. With lots to do both inside and out, this is agreat choice whatever the weather.

Isle of Wight Rare Breeds CIC

The Isle of Wight Rare Breeds CIC is a must visit for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking the restorative power of the countryside. You will be welcomed into a relaxed setting where you can interact with the animals, learn about their history and conservation, and gain insight into the farm’s core values of sustainability, animal welfare, and community inclusion. 

Shanklin Chine

The oldest ticketed attraction on the Island, Shanklin Chine has been welcoming visitors since 1817. Look out for the wildlife that enjoy the tranquil tree lined chine which cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village right through to the sandy beach below. Discover red squirrels, invertebrates including a butterflies and a rare cave spider plus many species of birds such as blackbird, robin, blue tit and grey wagtails.  

West Wight

Tapnell Farm Park

In the heart of the countryside with stunning sea views, Tapnell Farm Park is an all-weather attraction with a wide range of animals to encounter. Wander around the Wallaby Walkabout with the mob of tame wallabies, and admire the marvellous meerkats as they stand guard. Venture into The Paddock and enjoy the epic views in the company of the friendly goats, alpacas and their other animal chums.

West Wight Alpacas & Llamas

Set in the picturesque rural village of Wellow, West Wight Alpacas covers 23 acres and is home to around 100 alpacas, 23 llamas and many other resident animals including pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, chickens, ducks and turkeys! For a unique experience, get up close and personal with the alpacas and llamas and enjoy a walking experience with these friendly creatures. Learn more about these amazing animals with their knowledgeable guides and walk past the birthing field where you might just get lucky and witness an alpaca birth!

Isle of Wight Reptilarium

Set within the brick arches of Fort Victoria Country Park, the Isle of Wight Reptilarium has 33 exhibits in total and has been themed into four distinct zones - a desert room, rainforest room, turtle temple and nocturnal room; each housing species of snakes, lizards and insects from around the world as you would find within these areas in the wild. 

Calbourne Water Mill

Calbourne Water Mill is a beautiful naturistic place to visit, where you can step back in time. Set in 35 acres of stunning rural landscape with doves, ducks and waterfowl and the friendly peacocks wandering freely. Dogs are welcome here too and you’ll find a lovely cafe to visit too.

Central Wight

Monkey Haven

This award-winning primate rescue centre is the perfect family day out. Meet a variety of rescued animals such as the singing Lar gibbons, endangered yellow-breasted Capuchins, meerkats, reptiles and birds of prey. Learn about these amazing animals with the many fun and information keeper talks throughout the day, plus you could even get the chance to handle a snake or meet an owl. There’s a childrens play area and cafe on site, plus a new app where you can learn more from behind the scenes and collect virtual bananas for a special treat!

Island Riding Centre

Set in beautifull countryside, Island Riding Centre is home to rescued sheep, lambs and chickens, and, of course, horses. Fancy learning to ride? You will find top class equestrian facilities; indoor and outdoor riding arenas and fully qualified instructors offering horse riding tuition for riders of all ages and abilities. Enjoy one of the popular safe on-site hacks, or enjoy an excursion to some of the Island’s top beaches and trails, with spectacular views and an amazing experience to treasure.

Butterfly World

For something a bit different, Butterfly World is set between Newport and Wootton. Here, you can step into a tropical paradise and learn about butterflies as they fly free around you. Learn about their life cycle from egg to pupa to adult, take your time to explore and watch butterflies dance in the air. You can even visit the stunning Italian and Japanese gardens with koi ponds, fountains and jumping jet. Relax afterwards with a bite to eat in the cafe.

Plan your Island adventure

Start planning your Island adventure by taking a look at our accommodation page to see the great accommodation on offer. For a hassle-free start to your holiday plans, many accommodation providers can arrange your ferry travel for you when you book your stay with them - often saving you money on the overall cost.