Sanctuary Zoos are typically meant to be an ideal place reserved for wild animals, for refuge and protection from dangers like extinction and persecution. Usually built in the animal’s natural habitat, these parks help preserve endangered animals with ease and care.
With the complete prohibition of capturing and poaching, the animal sanctuaries provide these wild animals with a safe space for breeding and rearing up their young, thus promoting animal health, monitoring it with utmost concern and thoughtfulness, leading to better chances of survival. The United Kingdom is littered with animal sanctuaries, being a delight for wildlife fanatics to explore.
6 Best Sanctuary Zoos in the UK
Given are the best six, based on the reviews of the visitors:
1. Wildheart Animal Sanctuary:
Location: Yaverland, England
With its major attraction being the rescued wild cats, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is home to tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, and more exotic animals to marvel at. Initially known as “Isle of Wight Zoo“, it is a registered charity that aims to encourage the preservation of the home of these wild cats and other animals, along with helping them breed. It is publically reviewed good and the visitors have glowing reviews regarding this sanctuary.
The animal sanctuary has the option to avail breakfast while watching the wild cats in their habitat and the monkeys being fed. Among the other sanctuary zoos, it is small and looks after the animals’ well-being. The staff is quite informative and friendly.
2. British Wildlife Centre:
Location: Lingfield, United Kingdom
Housing animals native to the United Kingdom and its surroundings, the British Wildlife Centre is one of the most prominent sanctuary zoos, with animals ranging from badgers and red squirrels to foxes and wild cats. It stands for the ideal of ‘conservation through education‘, believing wholeheartedly in educating common people about animals and their safe spaces. The visitors, especially animal welfare advocates, seem to love the place owing to its informative streak.
The animal sanctuary has a café, that serves beverages and snacks, and a souvenir shop to buy keepsakes from the fun day. The keepers are well-versed in their field and have an interesting way of telling the animal facts. This roadside zoo is great for people who have a fascination with knowing more about the endangered species present.
3. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park:
Location: Boston, United Kingdom
Housing more than 100 species of parrots and other such birds, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is a dream come true for all the ornithophile. It has the largest collection of Royal Bengal tigers in Europe along with active parrot rescue centers. In addition, it also provides a sanctuary for tortoises, allowing them to breed and nurture in their natural habitats. This sanctuary promises lifetime care for all the animals within its boundaries.
Along with the aforementioned animals, the white lions are also a great attraction. It has a rainforest-themed diner and a cocktail bar to satiate one’s appetite and a kids’ zone. The staff is polite, and all the animal talks hosted are informative, and it is one of the accredited sanctuary zoos for the conservation of endangered animals.
4. Howletts Wild Animal Park:
Location: Canterbury, United Kingdom
Covering the entirety of 90 acres, Howletts Wild Animal Park houses a larger collection of primates, particularly gorillas and monkeys. Through captive breeding and a reintroduction to the wild, this aims to maintain the diverse versatility of the wilderness. It even includes activities that entail one-on-one interaction with the animals present.
An interesting feature of the animal sanctuary is the ‘Woodland Walk‘ containing life-sized statues of prehistoric animals like the mammoth, smilodon, giant sloth, and such. The animals of the sanctuary look well-cared for, and it has plenty of area for picnic spots. The lion enclosure is also a big hit amongst visitors.
5. Lake District Wildlife Park:
Location: Keswick, United Kingdom
With well over 100 species of exotic animals, Lake District Wildlife Park is one of the best with facilities to house animals for as long as they need. The animals interact with the people actively, and the “Hawk Walk” is what keeps the visitors most intrigued about this spot. It is a cheery little wildlife preservation park that is worth a visit.
The ‘Alpaca Walking’ is another interesting experience available, and it has a play area and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, trying their best to educate the interested about the animals present. It also has a few exotic rescue animals like bears, tapirs, and big cats. The café serves beverages and snacks, and the sanctuary is great for a whole-day outing.
6. Paradise Wildlife Park:
Location: Keswick, United Kingdom
Housing more than 400 animals, this wildlife park also includes a petting zoo for people to interact with several rescue animals. With good exhibits and viewpoints into the cage enclosures, it is spanned like an adventure park to engage young kids. The ‘Dinosaur Park‘, has life-sized realistic statues of various dinosaurs from different Jurassic eras. It is publicly rated 4.6 out of 5 and is truly an immersive and interactive experience.
The park is well-maintained and clean, with friendly and informative staff. There are accommodation options, along with a soft play area for kids to spend their time. The food court serves great beverages and snacks to enjoy, and there are good spots for picnics.
The sanctuary zoos are extremely important to promote healthier habitats to breed animals in situ. With a constant supply of required facilities, the animal species will truly evade the danger of being wiped out from the face of the earth, and make us marvel at their wonderous antics even more.
