The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is delighted to announce that work has begun on the biggest and most ambitious project in our history.
We are about to build two new giant eco-domes at the sanctuary that will become our new Primate Rescue Centre and we are launching a very important Crowd Funder to help make our dream and vision a reality.
The introduction of the governments kept animal bill will lead to many primates needing refuge and sanctuary in the coming years. Our ground-breaking new facility will give the sanctuary the space to be involved in this vital mission and support the rescue of primates that have often been kept in sub-standard conditions as pets around the UK.
In our new domes, visitors will be able to take a trail that recreates the flora, fauna and wildlife communities of many of the countries our primates originate from – demonstrating the realities of the conservation crisis that threatens our planet’s ecosystem.
Our new sustainably built walk-through primate centre will be the first design of its kind in Europe, marrying contemporary design and traditional materials with cutting edge technologies in construction. The build will feature two giant domes and allow our primates continuous access to a high rainforest canopy that mirrors the natural habitat of many of our primates.
We currently have monkeys which originate from Africa and across regions of Central and South America. Our species include spider monkeys, capuchins, vervet and marmosets but by building our new Primate Rescue Centre and with your help we know that we can care for many more species of monkey.
Initially our ground breaking new facility will support and house our collection of lemurs. Lemurs originate from Madagascar and are on the brink of being wiped off the face of the planet with 94% of their species threatened with extinction. If this continues without intervention then they will become the first entire group of mammals to be lost forever. There will be no way back.
One of our biggest supporters is Dame Judi Dench and she has fallen in love with our ring tailed lemur Tsingy who was born at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in 2004. Tsingy means “to tiptoe.” She sends him a birthday card every year.
Dame Judi said: “For me the joy of walking round the wonderful Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is to reach the lemur enclosure and be reunited with my great friend Tsingy.” Dame Judi has kindly offered to open our new Primate Rescue Centre when it opens next year.
Work has just begun work demolishing the old lemur enclosures that will make way for the new Primate Rescue Centre so construction can begin in time for our grand opening in Spring 2022. With a fair wind and strong work ethic we hope to open our new Primate Rescue Centre in time for Easter 2022. The time scale is tight and the task ahead is mighty…but we never shy away from a challenge. With your help we are confident we can rise to it.
But as a young charity with big and bold ambitions, we need your help. So please consider supporting our Crowd Funder which will make our dream a reality and become a valuable resource to protecting and conserving primates in Britain today.
