Wildheart Animal Sanctuary will celebrate 50 years at its Yaverland home later this month with a special evening featuring live music, animal talks, family entertainment and a spectacular drone show.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place at the sanctuary in Sandown, on 19th September from 17:00-20:30, marking 5 decades since the Corney family took over what was then known as the Isle of Wight Zoo in 1976.
Over the years, the attraction has undergone a major transformation, evolving into Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and becoming a permanent home for rescued animals from around the world, including big cats, bears and primates.
Islanders are now being invited to join staff, volunteers and supporters to celebrate the milestone and look back at the sanctuary’s 50-year journey.
The evening will feature Bubbleology displays from The Lovely Bubbly Show, live acoustic music from Ruby, glitter face painting and performances from Melodic Choir.
There will also be roaming entertainment from The New Carnival Company, alongside special animal talks and feeds.
Visitors will be able to purchase refreshments from a barbecue and local food stalls, with a cocktail bar also available during the evening.
The celebrations will culminate with a Wildheart-themed drone show from LumaNation, which will take to the skies above Yaverland to create a visual tribute to the sanctuary’s history.
Lawrence Bates, CEO of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, has 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.”
Thousands of animals have passed through the site’s gates during its 50-year history, with the sanctuary saying the anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise the continuing support it receives from 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.”
Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Celebration are available through the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website at www.wildheartanimalsanctuary.org.
