By Isle of Wight Observer
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has celebrated its 50th anniversary with an evening of entertainment, family activities, and animal encounters, raising almost £27,000 for its rescued animals.
Hundreds of visitors attended the celebration at the Sandown sanctuary, on Saturday, September 19, marking five decades of caring for animals on the Island.
A drone display by LumaNation was due to provide the finale, but high winds forced its cancellation on safety grounds.
The show was rescheduled for Saturday, September 26, when hundreds gathered to watch Wildheart-themed images, and messages light up the sky above the sanctuary.
Wildheart chief executive, Lawrence Bates, said: “Our 50th anniversary was about celebrating five decades of change, but most importantly it was about celebrating the people who have supported us and the animals at the heart of everything we do.
“To have raised almost £27,000 is an incredible achievement and will make a genuine difference to the animals in our care.”
Wildheart has confirmed the event will return in 2027.
