Invertebrates, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish
Origin: worldwide
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is also home to an amazing variety of crucially important species of invertebrates. From many-legged millipedes to no-legged slugs and snails plus a good few insects species in between, our range of amazing invertebrates will keep you captivated. Come to one of our inspiring animal carer talks to find out which of our reptiles has more hairs than our largest mammal, Casper!
Meet our Invertebrates, Reptiles, Amphibians and FishINVERTEBRATE - Giant African Land Snail / Pancake Slug
These gastropods take life at a gentle pace! They perform a vital role as one of nature’s recyclers.
INVERTEBRATE - Giant Millipede
These creatures are classed as myriapods and are also vital in the ecosystem as recyclers, helping to return precious nutrients back into the soil.
INVERTEBRATE - Malagasy Hissing Cockroach
These insects are armoured little individuals which recycle leaf litter and other waste from the forest floor, making the nutrients accessible for further plant growth. They have an effective deterrent warning sound which sounds just like a snake’s hiss ...come and listen!
INVERTEBRATE - Stick Insects / Leaf Insect / Giant Lime Green Stick Insect / Crowned Stick Insect / Guadaloupe stick Insect / Macleay’s Spectre
Around the globe, insects are vital for pollination, recycling and as a food source and without them, life on Earth would crumble. Come and meet our vibrantly-coloured masters of disguise and be amazed at their beauty.
REPTILE - Royal Python
This beautiful animal comes from West Africa.
Zuri and Biter
Donated by private sponsors, these animals are helping us to engage public interest and promote positivity and responsible pet care.
REPTILE - Corn Snake
This species is found in grassland areas throughout central and south-east America.
Mr. Hiss
Mr. Hiss was an unwanted pet and came to us via a rescue centre. Along with our pythons, Mr Hiss helps our public engage with responsible pet care and ownership.
REPTILE - Crested Gecko
This species, which comes from areas of rainforest canopy in New Caledonia, has had an almost unbelievable journey! From being declared extinct, through chance rediscovery and then careful management in human care, numbers have increased so that it can now be found as a pet in many homes.
Kanak and Lapita
Our gorgeous pair have been given their forever home here at the sanctuary after their former private owners could no longer meet their needs.
REPTILE - Madagascan Day Gecko
This species is found in Madagascar and nearby islands.
Missy
This tree-dwelling species lives in tropical areas and feeds on insects and nectar.
REPTILE - Standing's Day Gecko
This species is found only in south-west Madagascar
Mika, Njala and Lucy
These sweet little animals communicate by body posture and a range of squeaks, clicks and croaks very similar to that of frogs. They are around 8-10 years old.
REPTILE - Spur-thighed Tortoise
Found in areas of Africa, North and South America, Asia and Europe.
Rocco and Matteo
Rocco is, according to the Animal Care Team, the fastest tortoise in the world! He is definitely in love with our female ...re-named Mattea when we realised our ‘male’ Matteo had laid an egg!!
AMPHIBIAN - Mossy Frog
From Vietnam, this species has an adorable sound and is almost impossible to find when camouflaged amongst moss and stone.
AMPHIBIAN - White's Tree Frog
This Australasian species of frog defies popular conception by living, as the name suggests, not in water but in trees
FISH - Koi
Koi are carp which have been selectively bred for ornamental pattern and colour, a practice which originated in Japan.
Many, including Flip, Flap and Flop
We have a charming group of Koi here at the sanctuary. They were formerly pets and came to us from a private owner, thanks to generous corporate sponsorship which enabled us to build a new pond for them. Our shimmering water-babies really enjoy interacting with those members of our visiting public who choose to buy our specially formulated fish food with which to hand feed them.