Vibrant City: Lawrence Bates' Domain
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, nestled on Yaverland Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, UK, serves as a dedicated refuge for animals that have endured traumatic pasts. Originally known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, focusing on animal rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care[1][2][5].
**Unique Features of the Sanctuary**
The sanctuary specializes in the care of exotic and threatened animals that have often suffered abuse, neglect, or psychological trauma. Each animal is provided with a safe, enriched environment tailored to their needs, prioritizing their well-being and recovery[3][4][5]. The sanctuary's enclosures are designed to be secure, spacious, and stimulating, mimicking natural habitats as much as possible. Animals receive daily enrichment activities, promoting mental and physical health, which helps traumatized animals regain trust and confidence[3][4].
Education is an integral part of the sanctuary's mission. Staff regularly engage with visitors, sharing the animals’ stories and raising awareness about the realities of animal exploitation and the importance of conservation[3][4]. The sanctuary's team is attentive and knowledgeable, providing specialized care tailored to each animal’s history. Regular interaction between staff, animals, and visitors enhances the sanctuary’s nurturing and educational environment[3][4].
Transparency and engagement are key aspects of the sanctuary's approach. Live webcams in key habitats offer a unique window into the lives of its residents, allowing people worldwide to observe the animals’ daily activities and witness their recovery and enrichment firsthand[4].
**Examples of Resident Animals**
The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, each with their unique stories. Lions like Casper, whose vocal displays are a sign of comfort and confidence, and Frosty, who was rehomed due to social tensions elsewhere and now enjoys a secure environment[3][4]. Eurasian Lynx families were rescued in 2020 and provided with ample space and hiding spots to accommodate their natural solitary behaviors, ensuring their psychological well-being[4]. Tigers, such as Zoppa, who arrived with a permanent injury, receive specialized care and enrichment, allowing them to adapt and thrive despite past traumas[4].
**Designing for Regeneration**
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is designed as an ongoing experiment in regenerative design. The design of the sanctuary reflects the animals' stories of new opportunities and beginnings, turning away from traditional materials and methods to explore alternatives that complement the rescued residents and the natural world[6]. The sanctuary houses families of rescued lemurs in towering geodesic bamboo domes, offering them the first opportunity to feel grass under their feet, have water to bathe in, and trees to climb[6].
The art at the sanctuary carries a stark message about waste and man's impact on the natural world. Pieces made from plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets are transformed into ten-foot high ammonites, tree jelly fish, and a sanctuary’s very own womble[6]. The carnivores at the sanctuary, including three-legged tigers and lions, bear the scars of their previous lives where their canine teeth were filed off and claws were ripped out[6].
The bears at the sanctuary will be housed in a 3,500 square metre habitat made from discarded rubble, recycled timber, old sewerage pipes, and local boat floats[6]. The sanctuary's location in Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight, offers a serene and picturesque setting for the animals' new beginnings[6].
References: [1] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). Our History. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/our-history/ [2] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). The Sanctuary. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/the-sanctuary/ [3] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). Our Animals. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/our-animals/ [4] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). Animal Welfare. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/animal-welfare/ [5] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). Our Mission. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/our-mission/ [6] Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. (n.d.). Regenerative Design. Retrieved from https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/regenerative-design/
- To further promote the sanctuary's mission, visitors may find sustainable living workshops and discussions on climate-change within the home-and-garden section of the sanctuary, providing opportunities for lifestyle modifications that minimize human impact on the environment and support its conservation.
- The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's educational programs in environmental-science expand beyond the premises, engaging students and the community with seminars and field trips focusing on animal conservation, sustainable living, and the interconnectedness of the natural world with our lifestyles.
- As an example of its commitment to regenerative design, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is actively researching the weather patterns of the Isle of Wight to optimize its organic vegetable gardens, ensuring a plentiful food source for its inhabitants while also demonstrating the benefits of organic agriculture for both animal welfare and the environment.
