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. 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 live in desert areas throughout most parts of central Africa and 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.
Originally from North and Central America, this species now has established and growing non-native populations in Europe and Asia.
Striped Skunks can be found across North America, from Canada to Mexico. They are good at adapting to urban environments, which has helped them to expand their range despite increased human activity across the continent.
Tanuki are native to the forests of Japan. Despite their English name, they are not related to raccoons at all – they’re members of the canid (dog) family.
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.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Meerkat
Our meerkat mob started as two separate groups. Clive, Neo, Io, Timone and Mushu are brothers from separate litters, and came to us from Welsh Mountain Zoo. Monica is our alpha female and joined us from Leeds Tropical World.
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.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Striped Skunk
Our skunk sisters Dakota and Sakari are confiscated ex-pets who arrived at our Sanctuary in July 2024. They share a very close bond, but you can tell them apart from the fact that Sakari has more white in her coat! Dakota and Sakari live in their newly refurbished habitat next door to Otoo the raccoon.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog)
Pom and Poko moved into their newly refurbished habitat at our Sanctuary in October 2024. Their names were chosen by our supporters, and come from the title of a famous Studio Ghibli film!
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Red Necked Wallaby
Our wallabies came to us from the wonderful Tapnell Farm Park 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.
