Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is inviting Islanders to join them on Saturday 19th September 2026 as it celebrates an incredible 50 years of caring for animals on the Isle of Wight.
The Sanctuary’s 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm, bringing together family entertainment, live music, animal talks, food and drink – and culminating in a spectacular Wildheart-themed drone show from LumaNation.
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From Isle of Wight Zoo to Wildheart
The evening marks five decades since the Corney family took over what was then known as the Isle of Wight Zoo in 1976.
Since those early days, the site at Yaverland has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and becoming home to rescued animals from around the world.
Now, 50 years on, Wildheart is inviting the Island community to celebrate the milestone alongside the animals, staff, volunteers and supporters who have all played a part in its story.
What’s on during the evening
The anniversary evening will feature something for all ages, including Bubbleology displays from The Lovely Bubbly Show, live acoustic music from Ruby, glitter face painting, performances from Melodic Choir and roaming entertainment from The New Carnival Company.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy special animal talks and feeds, while a barbecue, local food stalls and cocktail bar will provide refreshments throughout the evening.
Drone show finale
The celebrations will finish with an extra-special finale as LumaNation takes to the skies with an epic Wildheart-themed drone show, creating a spectacular visual tribute to the Sanctuary’s 50-year journey.
An extraordinary milestone
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary CEO Lawrence Bates said,
“Fifty years is an extraordinary milestone, and we wanted to celebrate it with the people who have helped make Wildheart what it is today.
“The Isle of Wight has been such an important part of our story. Generations of Islanders have visited, supported us, volunteered with us and followed the stories of the animals who have called this place home.
“This celebration is about looking back at five decades of animal rescue and care, but it’s also about looking forward. There is still so much work to do to protect animals and give rescued wildlife the lives they deserve, and we want everyone to be part of the next chapter.”
Looking to the next chapter
The Sanctuary’s 50-year journey has seen thousands of animals pass through its gates, with Wildheart now providing a permanent home to rescued animals including big cats, bears, primates and other species.
The Sanctuary says its anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only its history, but the continuing support of the Isle of Wight community.
Lawrence added,
“We hope Islanders will come and celebrate with us. Whether you have been visiting since the days of the Isle of Wight Zoo or this is your first time at Wildheart, we want this to be a really special evening for everyone.”
Where and when
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary 50th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Saturday 19th September 2026 between 5pm and 8.30pm at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Yaverland Road, Sandown.
Tickets are available from the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website.
News shared by Lee on behalf of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Ed
