Exotic Animal World (previously Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary) in Stellenbosch is a sanctuary for a variety of exotic animals, such as spiders, snakes, monkeys, meerkats, scorpions, many species of bird and much more.
All animals at Exotic Animal World were either donated by their previous owners, or were confiscated by local authorities and were given into the centre’s care.
Visitors have the opportunity to view and interact with over 700 amazing creatures who are now all ambassadors for their species and carry the message: Appreciate, Don’t Keep.
The park has tropical fish, frogs and reptiles like non-venomous snakes, skins, basilisks and bearded dragons. Families can interact with rare exotic species like lemurs, meerkats, marmosets, chinchillas and owls.
The Sanctuary features a Creepy Crawly Room with tarantulas, scorpions and other amazing insects. There are four broad aviaries, some of which guests can walk through and see birds up close. Photography is allowed. Birds, Koi fish and terrapins can also be seen in the Tropical Garden.
The park encourages interaction with many of the creatures and is a child-friendly space.