Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Whidbey Island

Step into a world of exotic wonder and journey to an unforgettable adventure at the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary in Oak Harbor!

If you've ever dreamt of getting up close and personal with creatures from the far reaches of the globe, this exotic animal experience is an absolute must!

The day I had the opportunity to check it out, I was amazed as soon as I exited my car. In an outdoor garden enclosure, two giant tortoises were mating. I share a video. Before I could get to the entrance , I walked by a window, and a full-grown sloth came to greet me. He let me touch his face through the screen, and he looked me right in the eyes. That's when I fell in love with this creature. The way they move is fascinating to observe. I couldn't wait to get inside. From the moment I stepped foot into the sanctuary, I was transported to a mesmerizing realm where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Imagine wandering through lush plants and vines, warm ambient lighting, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and the calls of creatures you've only seen in documentaries. The atmosphere alone is enough to send thrills of excitement down your spine! I forgot all the rest of the world for the duration of my visit! I felt like I was transported into an exotic jungle .

I met with Dave, the owner. Dave, the knowledgeable and passionate guide at the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary, is the heart and soul of this attraction. His commitment to conservation and education is truly inspiring.

Dave shares intriguing anecdotes about each animal, their natural habitat, and the vital importance of preserving these magnificent species for future generations. Prepare to be captivated by the animal's stories and moved by the sanctuary 's dedication. In a large movie viewing room, there are big theater style lounge chairs to watch animal educational films, while sloths hang above your seat, an owl flies around, and the sounds of a waterfall pouring into the pond of red-eared slider turtles. Wow! Now that's entertainment!

Now, let's talk about the stars of the main attraction – the animals themselves! From majestic Wolves that exude power and grace, to Giant Alligator Snapping turtle and curious exotic sloths that seem straight out of a fairy tale. The diversity of creatures here is mind-blowing! The way they are cared for and treated with respect is evident, and the sanctuary's dedication to their well-being is commendable.

But here's the best part – you get to interact with some of these enchanting animals! Picture yourself feeding friendly porcupines or petting a playful Siberian Lynx. Touch noses with a sloth or two and hold an armadillo. The hands-on interactions are unforgettable, and this experience created memories that I will never forget and last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of all who venture here. Enthralling Adventure! I want to return again and again. Thank you, Dave, for bringing a unique, first-class attraction to Oak Harbor.

You thought...

We will definitely be back! This is hands down one of the best adventures we did this summer. My favorite parts were getting to hold an owl and touching hands with the raccoons.

I like that the pace of the tour is a bit slower and only small groups of people that way the animals don't get stressed out. Dave is very knowledgeable and really cares for and loves all his animals.

Also, the website says no children, but I called and asked and Dave informed me it was just an error needing to be fixed on the website. My kiddo was very happy to be able to join us for this tour. I will say this though... if you're thinking about bringing any kids with you please make sure they are well behaved and calm. A good portion of the animals were out of their enclosures hanging out with us, but I could see how a very energetic child or one scared of animals could put a lot of stress on...

Idk why this place has so many positive reviews. They market themselves as a wildlife sanctuary, but after visiting- they are no more than a petting zoo pretending to be a sanctuary.

The owner of the place talks constantly about the price to buy and sell the type of animals he has while on tour…he also talks in depth about how much money he has and continues to make on air b&b “wolf experiences”. He makes all that money yet the animals are all in extremely small enclosures. Several of the larger animals barely have more space than double the size of a dog run at an animal shelter. Many of the large animals were constantly pacing and showing obvious signs of distress.

This guy is obviously more interested in exploiting wild animals for money than...