Cornwall’s breathtaking landscape is home to a vast array of native wildlife, as well as a range of incredible animal sanctuaries dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Each wildlife sanctuary offers a unique experience, with many including other great attractions to entice you and plenty of ways to support the animals on a long-term basis.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, looking for an exciting day out, or simply want a meaningful experience with animals, these sanctuaries offer something truly special.
So, make the most of your family friendly holiday in Cornwall and get to know some of the local inhabitants with a trip to an animal sanctuary!
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The beautiful Cornish coast is famous for its population of grey seals. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is part of The SEA LIFE Trust, a charity that comes to the aid of Cornwall’s grey seals when in need.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing grey seal pups found injured or orphaned along the coastline.
What they do
The sanctuary operates as part of a wider marine conservation effort, nursing seals back to health before returning them to the wild where possible. It also provides lifelong care for seals and sea lions that can’t be released due to ongoing medical conditions.
What to see and do
Visitors can watch seals swimming, learn about rescue stories during feeding times, and even take part in behind-the-scenes experiences like “Keeper for a Day.”
Alongside seals, you’ll also find sea lions, puffins, and farm animals.
This is one of the most educational sanctuaries in Cornwall, offering a clear insight into marine conservation and animal welfare.
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Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
A family-run sanctuary with a big heart, Porfell specialises in giving lifelong homes to unwanted, neglected, or abandoned animals from around the world.
As Cornwall’s largest exotic animal sanctuary, you can expect to see all sorts of animals here, with plenty of great opportunities to learn about the natural habitats they would usually call home.
What they do
No animal is turned away, and the sanctuary focuses on long-term welfare rather than breeding or trading animals. Funding goes directly into care, enclosure improvements, and veterinary support.
What to see and do
With over 250 animals on site, there’s plenty to explore, from lemurs and meerkats to reptiles and birds.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences like feeding animals, woodland walks, and even cultural exhibits like a Maasai village.
The park is home to more than 250 animals that live in enclosures designed to replicate their natural environment. One of the most memorable sections is The Great Rift Valley, which contains an authentic Maasai village constructed using traditional methods. Native animals surround the village to replicate the beautiful way the Maasai people and local wildlife cohabitate. Inside each hut are displays of Maasai craft, clothing and history.
It’s one of the most interactive sanctuaries in Cornwall, making it especially popular for families.
Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated along the north Cornish coast, Paradise Park and Jungle Barn is the place to go for birds of every kind. Paradise Park is home to over 1,200 birds across more than 130 species from all over the globe, many of which are endangered.
You’ll also find red pandas, farm animals, Asian seals, red squirrels and miniature donkeys.
What they do
The sanctuary supports global conservation projects and is closely linked to organisations like the World Parrot Trust, helping protect rare species and habitats.
What to see and do
There’s lots to do here with plenty of opportunities to see rare birds you might not find anywhere else. You’ll find everything from flamingos to kookaburras, bald eagles, penguins, golden eagles – and lots more.
The tropical aviaries are a must-see – these awesome exhibits include areas where you can sit or meander and watch the birds as they fly above you. Don’t forget to catch one of the brilliant bird shows where you can learn all about these wonderful animals.
From there, take a tranquil stroll through the tropical gardens where birds fly free amongst the beautiful botanicals, streams and ponds. Here, you’ll also find a children’s play area, bee garden and other features to explore.
Stop by the Fun Farm, where the kids will adore the chance to get up close and feed the sheep, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs and miniature donkeys. You can then head to the Jungle Barn indoor soft play area for even more fun.
Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park
A unique sanctuary dedicated to owl conservation and rehabilitation, housing one of the largest owl collections in the South West.
What they do
The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured owls, releasing them where possible, while also caring for permanent residents.
What to see and do
Visitors can see over 40 species of owls, attend flying demonstrations, and learn about conservation efforts.
There are also other animals on-site, including meerkats, alpacas, raccoons, foxes, lemurs and wallabies.
It’s a great niche sanctuary, especially for bird lovers!
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The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary
Tucked away in the countryside near Penryn, The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary is one of Cornwall’s most heartfelt rescue centres, specialising in the care of donkeys, ponies, and horses who have suffered neglect, abuse, or abandonment.
What they do
Founded in 1995, the sanctuary provides a safe, lifelong home for over 100 rescued animals. While donkeys are at the heart of their work, the sanctuary has also cared for a wide range of animals over the years, all given the chance to live out their lives in peace.
Beyond rescue, Flicka is deeply involved in education and community wellbeing, offering therapeutic visits and experiences that highlight the emotional intelligence and calming nature of donkeys.
What to see and do
Guests can wander through the paddocks and barns, meeting donkeys and ponies with their own unique personalities and stories.
On-site, you’ll also find a small shop and a vegan tea room serving homemade food, adding to the sanctuary’s ethos of compassionate living.
Why Visit Animal Sanctuaries in Cornwall?
What sets these places apart from traditional zoos is their focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care rather than breeding or entertainment. Many of the animals you’ll meet have been abandoned, injured, or rescued from poor conditions, and your visit helps support their ongoing care.
Cornwall’s animal sanctuaries offer a refreshing alternative to typical attractions. Each one has a different focus, from marine life and exotic animals to birds and donkeys, but they all share a common goal: protecting and improving the lives of animals.
If you’re planning a trip, consider visiting more than one. Together, they provide a deeper understanding of conservation, compassion, and the vital work happening behind the scenes to care for animals in need.