Many adults with autism often feel more comfortable interacting with animals, rather than engaging with people. However, not all places you visit animals provide the same kind of experience for those with learning disabilities. Raystede animal sanctuary is different, it provides a calm, nurturing and welcoming environment for our residents, and they look forward to their regular visits to the animal sanctuary.

Based in Ringmer, the centre supports more than1,200 animals each year, and operates an adoption programme for those suitable for rehoming.  It has cared for animals of all shapes and sizes for over 70 years – from dogs, cats and rabbits to mice, guinea pigs, even exotic birds and tortoises.

Raystede is also home to some larger animals – goats, alpaca and equines – needing specialist care and medication, making them permanent residents… and it’s these animals in particular our residents love to visit, especially Ellie 😊

Ellie prefers to explore the sanctuary at her own pace, although there are daily guided tours for those who want to join in. There are lakes to walk round, fields with goats, sheep and donkeys to see, as well as the rodent’s room, home to the smaller animals. In fact, there are so many areas to explore and animals to see, that no two visits are the same – one day we might see Gregory Peck, the turkey, the next time we’ll go and take a look at the terrapins. Each of our residents has their favourites and we’re guided by them on who they would like to spend time with.

Visitors welcome…

Click the link below to book your free ticket and experience all that it has to offer, just like our residents 😊