Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Isle of Wight Zoo News

Just been to Facebook and the work on the new bear habitat is coming along famously now. I have some big news aswell as next summer I'll be going to the Isle of Wight
 
Piece of July 2024 News Worth Mentioning:

On July 20th, the sanctuary announced they acquired a (1.0) Geoffroy's marmoset named Ceasar in June which is on exhibit.

4.1K views · 179 reactions | There's someone we'd like you to meet... Introducing Caesar, our Geoffroy’s Marmoset! Caesar is an ex-pet who was given up by his previous owner. He arrived at our Sanctuary last month, and is settling in well to his new life in our newly refurbish | There's someone we'd like you to meet... Introducing Caesar, our Geoffroy’s Marmoset! Caesar is an ex-pet who was given up by his previous owner. He... | By Wildheart Animal Sanctuary | Facebook

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On October 17th, the sanctuary announced they planted bay and magnolia trees inside the walk-through lemur dome.

2.8K views · 129 reactions | Check out Darnell enjoying the new trees in our walk-through lemur dome! We've planted a mix of bay and magnolia trees, which we hope will one day provide a canopy for our lemurs to climb or take shelter underneath. In their natural habitat | Check out Darnell enjoying the new trees in our walk-through lemur dome! We've planted a mix of bay and magnolia trees, which we hope will one day... | By Wildheart Animal Sanctuary | Facebook

On October 24th, the sanctuary announced they transferred their (1.1) mongoose lemurs named Bjork and Catherine to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on October 23rd.

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
 
In February 2025 they received a 0:1 Common Marmoset called Kiki from the RSPCA as a ex-pet, who is currently in quarantine.

Once completed the plan is to introduce her to Cesar, their 1:0 Geoffreys Marmoset who arrived in June 2024 as an ex-pet.
 
In February 2025 they received a 0:1 Common Marmoset called Kiki from the RSPCA as a ex-pet, who is currently in quarantine.

Once completed the plan is to introduce her to Cesar, their 1:0 Geoffreys Marmoset who arrived in June 2024 as an ex-pet.
Is there a risk of hybridisation?
 
Is there a risk of hybridisation?

Wildheart have no intention of breeding any of their animals so mixing their
1:0 Geoffreys & 0:1 Common Marmoset, I would presume that they're on contraception.

I believe they are going together as companions as they are both a social species.
 
Wildheart have no intention of breeding any of their animals so mixing their
1:0 Geoffreys & 0:1 Common Marmoset, I would presume that they're on contraception.

I believe they are going together as companions as they are both a social species.
In my experience, there could be a chance of conflict.
 
In my experience, there could be a chance of conflict.

You're right, there could be the chance that they don't get along as in which case I would presume they'd have a back up plan in place and another enclosure.

Main thing is that it's another Marmoset that is out of the pet trade and can live as much of a natural life as possible
 
You're right, there could be the chance that they don't get along as in which case I would presume they'd have a back up plan in place and another enclosure.

Main thing is that it's another Marmoset that is out of the pet trade and can live as much of a natural life as possible
You're right about the pet trade and with the new wildlife act with regards to the ownership of primates being enforced next April,animal sanctuaries are being magnets for unwanted marmosets, so, if they actively want marmosets of certain species,there are opportunities.
 
Just received an email announcing the death of White Lion Casper.

Apparently he was suffering from age related issues such as "significant weight loss & reduced mobility" he was 18yrs
 
I'm deverstated to hear the news from the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary about the passing of Casper the White Lion who I have adopted since Christmas as the age of 18. He was born at West Midlands Safari Park in 2006 and then moved to Isle of Wight in January 2010 and deepest condolences and thoughts are with everyone at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at this sad time
 
New arrival

We're thrilled to be welcoming a new arrival to our Sanctuary tomorrow!

Let us introduce you to Isax, a nine year old female serval coming to us from our rescue partners at AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection). Isax is an ex-pet confiscated from her previous owner, who we hope to introduce to our male serval Xirus.

⛴️ Thank you to Ventura Wildlife Services for transporting Isax via road from AAP Primadomus in Spain to our Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight, and to Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries for providing a crossing over the Solent!

Isax is currently en route to us, but we hope to share more updates soon!
 
Taken from social media, they will arrive at the Sanctuary today(4th June)

It's official... Benji and Balu have arrived in the UK!

After taking off from Baku airport in Azerbaijan at approximately 2:23pm this afternoon (local time 5:23pm), we are delighted to share that Benji and Balu touched down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland at 7:59pm this evening!

Once the bears cleared customs at Glasgow Prestwick airport, they began their journey south travelling via road to Portsmouth with Ventura Wildlife Services. We are expecting to welcome them to our Sanctuary in the early hours of tomorrow morning!

✈️ As we reach the climax of what has been a truly emotional journey, we would like to thank our wonderful sponsors at Cargolux Airlines International S.A. for making this final stage of Benji and Balu's move to our Sanctuary possible!

❗ We can't wait to introduce you to Benji and Balu, but please note that the bears may not be visible to our visitors while they are settling in. After their long journey, we want to give them the time, space, and privacy they need to get comfortable in their surroundings before they venture out into their outside habitat!
 
Once the bears cleared customs at Glasgow Prestwick airport, they began their journey south travelling via road to Portsmouth with Ventura Wildlife Services. We are expecting to welcome them to our Sanctuary in the early hours of tomorrow morning!

I wouldn't be surprised if Wightlink Ferries didn't make an announcement on the public tannoy system to passengers that the bears were on board that particular ferry e.g. 'ladies and gentlemen we have some unusual passengers travelling with us today....' They like to do that sort of thing sometimes if there's something unusual going on. Though it sounds like it may have been a late night sailing.
 
Taken from social media, they will arrive at the Sanctuary today(4th June)

It's official... Benji and Balu have arrived in the UK!

After taking off from Baku airport in Azerbaijan at approximately 2:23pm this afternoon (local time 5:23pm), we are delighted to share that Benji and Balu touched down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland at 7:59pm this evening!

Once the bears cleared customs at Glasgow Prestwick airport, they began their journey south travelling via road to Portsmouth with Ventura Wildlife Services. We are expecting to welcome them to our Sanctuary in the early hours of tomorrow morning!

✈️ As we reach the climax of what has been a truly emotional journey, we would like to thank our wonderful sponsors at Cargolux Airlines International S.A. for making this final stage of Benji and Balu's move to our Sanctuary possible!

❗ We can't wait to introduce you to Benji and Balu, but please note that the bears may not be visible to our visitors while they are settling in. After their long journey, we want to give them the time, space, and privacy they need to get comfortable in their surroundings before they venture out into their outside habitat!
What species of bear are they?
 
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is 70 years old, opening 9th July 1955.It was then known as Sandown Zoo. It's first Technical Director was George Cansdale,former Superintendent of London Zoo
 
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is 70 years old, opening 9th July 1955.It was then known as Sandown Zoo. It's first Technical Director was George Cansdale,former Superintendent of London Zoo
While the owner was Jack Corney, whose daughter now runs it.
 
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