Playtime ‘Lifeline’ Thrown To Animal Sanctuary

Lions and lemurs at the Isle of Wight’s Wildheart Animal Sanctuary have been thrown a playtime ‘lifeline’ by Wightlink, after the ferry company donated old life rings for the animals to enjoy.

The life-saving devices were previously onboard the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry Wight Sun but have now been retired from service and replaced with new ones. 

Having previously donated old mooring lines to the Sandown attraction, Wightlink was keen to up-cycle the life rings and they were gratefully received. 

Animal Manager Marc Fox says:

“We are always looking for ways to enrich our animals’ lives and the life rings are a novel object which provide the perfect swings for the lemurs and ideal scratching and chewing toys for the lions.

"We’re really grateful for Wightlink’s ongoing support – both with donations of equipment and help with bringing animals across the Solent to the Sanctuary.” 

Phil Delaney, Wightlink’s Commercial Director, added:

“As a responsible company we try to recycle as much as possible, so we are really pleased that Wight Sun’s old life rings have been put to good use at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary rather than going to landfill. 

“It looks like the animals are really enjoying the latest additions to their habitats, we hope the rings provide them with many hours of fun.” 

In recent years Wightlink has provided crossings for rescued animals including tigers, pigs, owls, a cockatoo, porcupines, Rankins Dragons and a giant rabbit.