Philip's Animal Garden is a small, privately run garden in Aruba where rescued animals live and visitors can walk around, meet them and help with feeding. The experience is informal and hands-on rather than a conventional zoo, and the emphasis is on getting close to the animals, hearing their stories and offering them food. The garden is a favorite with families because children can feed the animals themselves, and it is also a gentle, affordable add-on for adults who enjoy animals. The setting is shaded and relaxed, with paths running past the enclosures and plenty of opportunities for photographs. As with other wildlife stops on the island, the visit is short, so it works well as part of a half-day loop with other animal-themed sights such as the Aruba Ostrich Farm and the Donkey Sanctuary. The species you meet can change over time as animals are rescued and rehomed, so treat any list you read as a guide rather than a guarantee, and ask the garden what to expect on the day. Arriving earlier in the day usually means cooler weather and more active animals.
What to expect
A walk through the garden at your own pace, with the chance to feed rescued animals from food provided on site or by the garden. Rules vary by animal, so listen to the staff about what and how to feed, and avoid giving animals your own snacks. Keep a firm hold of small children near the enclosures, and wash your hands afterwards. The visit is not a guided performance, so the quality of the experience depends on spending a few unhurried minutes at each enclosure.
Why it is worth including
Aruba is mostly known for beaches and snorkeling, but the island has a thriving set of small animal attractions that give a different rhythm to the trip. Philip's Animal Garden is one of the gentlest of them, and it is especially good on a day when the wind is high, the sun is fierce or you have children who need a break from the sea. It is also one of the lowest-cost activities on the island, which makes it useful for travelers who are trying to balance a budget against more expensive boat trips and tours.
Practical notes
Wear closed shoes and light clothing, bring sunscreen and a hat for the open stretches, and carry water. Bring a small amount of cash in case the garden asks for donations or sells extra feed. Opening days and hours can change, so confirm them before you set out, particularly if you are making a special trip with children. The garden is a short drive from the main hotel areas, so a taxi or rental car is the simplest way to reach it, and it is also included in some island and off-road tours.
Making a day of it
Pair the garden with the Aruba Ostrich Farm in the morning, then stop at the Donkey Sanctuary on the south side, or head back to Palm Beach for a swim and the Butterfly Farm. Allow about an hour for the garden, and add travel time between stops.
For travelers who are passionate about animal welfare, it is worth asking staff how the garden is funded and how animals are cared for, and supporting it through any donation box or gift shop. Combined with the other animal stops, it makes a good plan for a morning with children.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk through a small garden of rescued animals, with the chance to feed them and take photographs.
Best time
Early morning, when it is cooler and animals tend to be more active.
How long
About an hour, plus travel time from your hotel.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, follow staff instructions on feeding, supervise children and check opening hours before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who want a gentle, hands-on wildlife stop.
- Families
- One of the best low-cost options for young children; keep them close and wash hands afterwards.
- Couples
- A light-hearted morning stop rather than a main event.
- Pair with
- Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Donkey Sanctuary and the Butterfly Farm.
- Time needed
- About an hour on site, plus transfers.
Good questions
What is Philip's Animal Garden?+
It is a small garden in Aruba where rescued animals live and visitors can walk around, meet them and help with feeding.
Can children feed the animals?+
Yes, feeding is a main part of the visit, but follow the staff's instructions about what and how to feed.
Do I need to book?+
Booking ahead is a sensible way to secure your visit in busy weeks. Confirm opening days and times when you book.
How long should I allow?+
About an hour on site, plus travel time from your hotel.
What should I bring?+
Closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and a little cash in case of donations or extra feed.
