Philip's Animal Garden

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 you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.