Small Mammals - Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight

Our Small Mammals

Our small mammals are very special to us here at the Sanctuary as they prove that every animal, whatever its size, is of value in our diverse ecosystem. Our individuals here will also likely capture your heart when you hear their background stories, as many have come from unhappy situations. Who will you fall in love with?

Meerkats – Meerkats live in desert areas throughout most parts of central Africa and in South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a “mob”, “gang” or “clan”. A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats, but some super-families have 50 or more members.

Wallabies – Red Necked Wallabies originate from the cooler regions of Southern Australia so are really at home in our climate. These gentle creatures spend their days casually grazing and relaxing in their social group.

Raccoons – Originally from North and Central America, this species now has established and growing non-native populations in Europe and Asia.

African Hedgehogs – These creatures live across central African countries in areas of grassland.

Clive, Neo, Io, Timone, Mushu, Monica, Andy & Snoke

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Species: Meerkat

Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family. A group of meerkats is called a ‘mob’, but also referred to as a ‘gang’ or a ‘clan’. Meerkats are well known for their upright position and sociable behaviour.

We have two marvellous meerkat mobs. Our largest mob consists of 5 males – Clive, Neo, Io, Timone and Mushu who came to us from Welsh Mountain Zoo.

The second mob consists of Monica (our only female), Andy and Snoke. Andy was also one of the Welsh Mountain Zoo boys, and Snoke came to us from Sparsholt college as his companion passed away which meant he was living on his own, so we took him on and integrated him in with our second mob.

Which one is digging, which one is sunbathing, and which one is on sentry duty when you visit?

Uluru, Alice, Yulara & Maruku

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Species: Red Necked Wallaby

Our wallabies came to us from the wonderful Tapnell Farm here on the Isle of Wight. We have Uluru and her daughter Alice, one male, Maruku and little female Yulara to complete our happy mob.

Otoo

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Species: Raccoon

Here at the Sanctuary we have one beautiful raccoon: Otoo joined us from Five Sisters Zoo. Otoo is very shy, and enjoys dipping his toes in our water pool and washing his food, just as wild raccoons would do.

Spike & Drusilla

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Species: Porcupines

Spike and Drusilla were born at Woburn Safari Park in 2020 and came to us later that year. They are mostly nocturnal so you’ll probably see them asleep indoors on their bed!

Beanie

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Species: African Hedgehog

Beanie came to our family here at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary after private owners could no longer look after them. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and shy around humans but are nonetheless deserving of a safe forever home which we were happy to provide.

We have two rescued European hedgehogs (island natives) that sustained injuries and couldn’t be released back into the wild. They are in an off-show facility where they can live out their days safely.