Philip's Animal Garden
A rescue sanctuary in the northern interior holding confiscated exotic animals.
Updated 3 September 2026
Philip's Animal Garden in Aruba's northern interior is a rescue operation started by one man that now holds several hundred animals confiscated or surrendered from the exotic pet trade: monkeys, kangaroos, parrots, reptiles, big rodents and a great deal else, none of which belongs on a Caribbean island. It runs entirely on entry fees and donations and does not receive government funding. Aruba has no wildlife rescue capacity of its own, which is why a private operation ended up doing the work.
What to look for
- The rescued animals - several hundred confiscated or surrendered exotics.
- The variety - monkeys, kangaroos, parrots and reptiles together.
- The one-man origin - a sanctuary started and run privately.
- The pet trade context - what the operation exists to respond to.
When to go
December to April is the dry high season. It keeps set hours and closes on some days. Mornings are cooler for the animals.
Things to know
Enclosures are basic and funding is clearly tight. The collection is a jumble rather than a curated zoo. It runs on fees and donations and closures have been threatened.
Nearby
The ostrich farm is nearby, and Alto Vista chapel is north.
What to pack for Philip's Animal Garden
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.