Hopefield Animal Sanctuary & Visitor Centre

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary & Visitor Centre Caring for sick, unwanted and mistreated animals since 1983. We are an Essex-based non-profit organisation caring for sick, unwanted and mistreated animals.
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Proud to be championed by Leona Lewis.

10/06/2026

Dinner for two? Don’t mind if we do! 🐴

Spirit and Harmony are making the most of this evening’s dinner date, tucking into their hay side by side.

It might not look like much, but moments like these are what sanctuary life is all about. Good food, good friends, and not a worry in the world 🥰

Five years ago, Morgan arrived at Hopefield after being found dumped in a box in a park. Alone, unwanted, and left to fe...
09/06/2026

Five years ago, Morgan arrived at Hopefield after being found dumped in a box in a park. Alone, unwanted, and left to fend for herself 💔

Sadly, stories like Morgan's are far from rare.

Rabbits are one of the most neglected pets in the UK. Every year, thousands are abandoned, surrendered, or left in unsuitable conditions because people underestimate the care they need. They're often seen as "easy" pets, but the reality couldn't be more different.

Rabbits need companionship, space to run and explore, specialist veterinary care, and a lifetime commitment that can span 10 years or more. They are intelligent, emotional animals who form strong bonds and experience fear, loneliness and stress just like any other pet.

At Hopefield, many of our rabbit residents have come from heartbreaking situations similar to Morgan's. Some were dumped, some were neglected, and others were simply no longer wanted.

So today, as Morgan enjoys another day full of love at the sanctuary, we'd like to ask one thing: please think carefully before bringing any animal into your family. And if you already share your home with rabbits, help us spread the word that these wonderful little animals deserve so much better.

Morgan may have been thrown away, but to us, she's priceless 🐰💙

💙 BIG NEWS FROM HOPEFIELD! 💖We’re delighted to announce that carers now go FREE at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and Visito...
09/06/2026

💙 BIG NEWS FROM HOPEFIELD! 💖

We’re delighted to announce that carers now go FREE at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of meeting our rescued animals, exploring the sanctuary, and making special memories together. That’s why we’re making Hopefield more accessible for visitors who require assistance during their visit.

🐴 Meet our donkeys
🦙 Say hello to our alpacas
🐮 Visit our Highland cows
🐰 Spend time with our rabbits
🐱 Make friends with our cats
🌸 Enjoy the beautiful sanctuary surroundings

Eligible visitors can receive one free carer admission when accompanied by a paying visitor who requires support.

We hope this change helps more people enjoy everything Hopefield has to offer and ensures that everyone feels welcome here. ❤️

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family, carers, support groups, and anyone who may benefit from this new initiative.

https://hopefield.org.uk

08/06/2026

Just over a week ago, Flo arrived at Hopefield after she was saved from slaughter 💙

Instead, she was given a second chance. Now, she’s spending her days doing exactly what a lamb should be doing — racing around the paddock, making new friends, and enjoying all the love and attention she can get from our animal caregivers 🐑

It’s easy to look at Flo and see a playful, happy little lamb. But when you stop and think about how different her future could have been, it makes every bouncy leap, joyful zoomie, and adorable bleat feel that little bit more special.

We’re so grateful that Flo’s story didn’t end before it had really begun 🫶🏻

The sanctuary might be quietening down for the evening, but our rescued residents are making the most of the last few ho...
07/06/2026

The sanctuary might be quietening down for the evening, but our rescued residents are making the most of the last few hours of the weekend 🥰

Whether it’s curling up in a cosy corner, enjoying a final graze, or simply watching the world go by, everyone has their own way of spending a lazy Sunday evening 💙

These moments are some of our favourites. No crowds, no rush - just hundreds of animals enjoying the happy, relaxed lives they deserve 🐾

🚨 LAST CHANCE TODAY! 🚨Don’t miss your final chance to see some of our most unusual rescued animals and explore our fasci...
07/06/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TODAY! 🚨

Don’t miss your final chance to see some of our most unusual rescued animals and explore our fascinating Bug Room! 🦜🦨🦊🕷️

Our Exotic Animal Weekend is only held a few times a year, so once today is over, the next opportunity won’t be until 1st & 2nd August. Come and meet incredible rescued exotic animals with amazing stories, while supporting their lifelong care. 🐾

Find out more and book here: https://hopefield.org.uk/exotic-animal-weekends-2026/

Meet Skittles, our newest arrival! 🌈Skittles arrived at Hopefield yesterday, after his owner made the difficult decision...
06/06/2026

Meet Skittles, our newest arrival! 🌈

Skittles arrived at Hopefield yesterday, after his owner made the difficult decision to find him a new home. Caring for such a large, intelligent and energetic bird was becoming increasingly challenging due to personal circumstances, and they wanted to ensure he would continue to receive the specialist care, enrichment and attention he deserves.

In the first 18 months of his life, he’d already had two homes, and when he first arrived with his most recent owner, was aggressive and difficult, but after 2 years of love and care from them, he blossomed into a beautiful, loving bird (but still reverts back to his old ways on occasion!). Despite being described as a bit of a cheeky character (and a master of destruction! 🤣), Skittles is also funny, entertaining and loves company.

He’s currently staying in a temporary holding area while he gets used to his new surroundings, but before long he’ll be joining our six other macaws in a brand-new, larger aviary 🥰

Please join us in giving Skittles a very warm Hopefield welcome! 🦜

Our reptile residents have been enjoying some home improvements recently! 🦎We’ve been busy upgrading several of our viva...
06/06/2026

Our reptile residents have been enjoying some home improvements recently! 🦎

We’ve been busy upgrading several of our vivariums to create more naturalistic environments, helping to encourage natural behaviours and provide even more enrichment for the animals in our care.

Our leopard gecko’s enclosure has had a complete makeover and now has a much more natural look, and we’ve also introduced live plants to some of our setups where suitable and safe to do so 🌱

We’re always looking for ways to improve the lives of the animals who call Hopefield home, and these upgrades are just one of the many ways we continue to put their welfare first 💙

Meet Harmony 🐴Back in 2020, we were contacted about a two year old horse who was at risk of being euthanised the very ne...
05/06/2026

Meet Harmony 🐴

Back in 2020, we were contacted about a two year old horse who was at risk of being euthanised the very next day. After being bought online without being seen first, it became clear she had an old injury to her back leg. Further investigations revealed she had broken her coffin bone when she was just one day old, and sadly it had never been treated properly.

After being passed from home to home because she was considered “not fit for purpose”, Hopefield was asked if we could give her a home for life — and of course, we said yes 💙

Today, Harmony is safe, loved, and enjoying life exactly as she should.

Could you help support her ongoing care? For just £30 a year, you can sponsor Harmony and help provide everything she needs to thrive.

💕 Sponsor Harmony today: www.hopefield.org.uk/animals/harmony

It’s Volunteers Week! 💙What better time to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy and passion to he...
04/06/2026

It’s Volunteers Week! 💙

What better time to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy and passion to help Hopefield thrive every single day.

Whether you’re helping with animal care, serving customers in our gift shop, supporting our events, tending to our gardens, carrying out maintenance work, collecting food donations, or volunteering in any other way, please know just how much we appreciate you 🙏🏼

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Your dedication helps us provide the very best care for hundreds of rescued animals, and quite simply, we couldn’t do it without you.

From all of us at Hopefield, thank you for your hard work, kindness and commitment. Here’s to our amazing volunteers – you truly make a difference every single day 🥰

Address

Sawyers Hall Lane
Brentwood
CM159BZ

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+441277201110

Website

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