Exotic Animal World (Previously Butterfly World)
Exotic Animal World (Previously Butterfly World) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
South AfricaWestern CapeStellenbosch Local MunicipalityExotic Animal World (Previously Butterfly World)
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Such a pity about covid restrictions meaning they couldn't import their butterfly pupae from Indonesia I believe... We learned so much about the process from taking to the owner. It is visible that they are struggling to recover from the financial loss as a result. They have spent the money on upgrading their animals spaces and expanding their rescued animal selection. Including school critters that could no longer be looked after (because of covid) They also have a newly rescued Fennic fox, and a family of Lemurs, the cutest albino hedgehogs, and a ton of very excited guinipigs and parrots. They are currently building a bunny area, where you can go in and feed them (They are still just busy bunny-proofing all the fences apparently) More money unfortunately needs to be spent on the existing structures maintenance. And the amphibian area felt like it needed more TlC. With the reduced foot traffic due to no butterflies, my concern is that this will be very difficult ( they even ran a 3 month special or so the last few months to entice people to go again) since December it was basically full price again (tourist season) All in all, we had a fab family afternoon. We sadly missed the ice-cream deli that there used to be in the back garden, an old favorite treat of ours for when we go there... But we made up for it with Slushies and milkshakes at the main cafe before we left. We wish them all the best, such a treasure for the small kids, and the animals are loved. We will be back. Please go and support Butterfly world in 2021.
Gail Meyer
20
Fun place for little kids 6. They have a number of interesting animals including lemurs, monkeys, birds and snakes. We were hoping to spot some meerkat, but there weren't any. A section was being renovated, so hopefully that was why they weren't there, although I am not sure they had any. The parrots are cool 😎 Fortunately it was quiet when we went, but I can imagine the place being a nightmare if one were to happen to be there on a busy day as the corridors and pathways are quite narrow. The restaurant seems reasonably priced, however, we didn't eat or drink anything so I cannot comment on what the food is like. Overall it was fun, and we seen everything in about an hour. I do think older kids may get bored pretty quickly, unless they have an interest in animals.
Bernard Knight
20
I recently visited Exotic Animal World in Stellenbosch and wanted to share my experience. Overall, it was a mixed bag, with some positive aspects and areas where improvement is needed. Exotic Animal World offers a wide variety of exotic animals, which is a definite highlight. 🐒🐠🦎🐇🐸🐢🐢🐹🦜🐦🐓🕷️🐌 Most of these animals have been surrendered. Getting to see them is a wondrous thing indeed. I'm positive that the owners have a love & passion for rescuing and showcasing these animals. However... There are a few areas where Exotic Animal World could improve. Firstly, I found the pricing to be quite high. While I understand that exotic animals require specialised care, it would be beneficial to review the pricing structure to make it more accessible to a wider range of customers. Secondly, the enclosures needs some serious attention! 1. Mice running through the birds food 😮 - surely you can think of some way to keep them out? I understand that having rodents in an establishment like this is a given, but then you must think of ways to keep them away from the food! It's also not hygienic for people? 2. The big Python 🐍 - give it clean water please! All the snakes can do with clean, fresh water. 3. The fish tanks all need cleaning. This includes the axolotl's tanks. 4. Some of the enclosures are too small for the animals you have in them. They all require a good scrub down & enrichment toys or activities for the animals. 5. Your displays are covered in cobwebs - clean them! This includes the shelving behind glass. Thirdly - this is just a suggestion. Have a staff member or volunteer on the floor to answer questions or to highlight some fun/interesting facts about the animals. Why don't you look at offering a volunteer program? This way you have people on the floor to interact with guests as well as helping hands to clean and maintain the enclosures. I've been to the previews butterfly 🦋 world many times and I always enjoyed the outing. This time however, I left with a sad heart. The animals don't look happy at all! 💔 I don't recommend this place as it is now, but I do have faith that changes will be implemented. This could truly be such an amazing outing for families, but improvements are needed!
Atomic-Chicken
50
I was disappointed as there were no butterflies in sight - is that why the name changed?? Further the tortoise enclosure was a dismal prison with far too many animals in the small space and insufficient shade and a ground surface that looked like an unkempt building site. Ditto for the poor meerkat population with terrible earth covered in bits of brick stone and chunks of cement. Nowhere to burrow which is their natural wont. They were being fed on scraps of vegetation and that for animals whose diet consists of insects and other small vertebrates. The main enclosure had very little of interest and I feel that this place has deteriorated in the time since I was here last. Despite the many certificates etc on the entrance noticeboard I saw very little knowledge of habitat maintenance. The owl looked just as miserable. The toilet in the enclosure next to the owl needs some maintenance attention as no lights worked. The little restaurant provided fairly good chow and was the highlight of the visit.
Rob T
50
It’s a home started by a Zoologists named Este van der Westhuizen and her mom, for a variety of exotic animals (pets, wildlife etc.) that have all been given new homes. There are over 700 amazing creatures who are all ambassadors of their species. The sanctuary’s values are to ensure that previously loved exotic pets are well-cared for in a loving home. I love their ethos, that they try and teach children to be kinder to the next generation of animals and, ensure that wild animals are protected through environmental and wildlife conservation efforts and initiatives. Depending on the season, you could also be treated to a view of exotic butterflies in the sanctuary’s greenhouse.
Liezelonline
10
Exotic Animal World is fun for all ages and it's diversity is impressive. Ranging from insects, spiders, reptiles, fish to birds and even some ape species. I especially loved seeing the playful lemurs and the snakes up close. I visited during January and some of the exhibits were very humid, so if you are planning to visit during summer, wear something comfy. Although Exotic Animal World was formerly known as Butterfly World, I unfortunately didn't see any butterflies during my visit, but their variety was more than enough to make up for it. I also liked how they have a curio shop, as well as a restaurant on premises. We had a lot of fun and can definitely recommend a visit.
Dewald Reinke
20
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Address
R44, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Map
Phone
+27 60 646 1048
Call
Website
exoticanimalworld.co.za
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Reviews
Overview
4.2
(1.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
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