OUR BEGINNINGS

Don Walser, the owner of the Owl and Monkey Haven has always had a keen interest in birds of Prey. He became involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of many wild birds whilst running a joinery business in Northamptonshire with his son Antony. Don was known to the RSPB and Hawk and Owl Trust and became involved in the breed and release programme for endangered barn owls. He built enclosures in his back garden and successfully released over fifty owls back into the wild. Around this time he also acquired a family of marmoset monkeys and was soon to become involved in the re-homing of unwanted primates.

Over time the demand for homes increased and with limited space in his back garden Don decided it was time to put his craftsmanship to good use and pursue his dream of creating a dedicated sanctuary for unwanted animals'.

Don's love for the Isle of Wight combined with the warmer climate made it the perfect location for such a sanctuary and in 1999 moved to the Island with his family and animals.