One of the top family attractions in Dartmoor is the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh. This small wildlife centre in South Devon is home to playful otters and colourful butterflies, making it an ideal destination for a family day out in Dartmoor.
Although compact, the sanctuary packs plenty of interest for animal-lovers of all ages. It’s a great option for a rainy day activity near Dartmoor, as much of it is undercover. We visited on a drizzly morning during our recent stay in the area and still had a memorable time.
The sanctuary is split into two main zones: the outdoor otter enclosures and the tropical butterfly house. Being otter fans, we started with the otters first.
If you’re planning a day out in Buckfastleigh, be sure to include this on your itinerary for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Read on to discover what there is to see at the otter sanctuary and butterfly house.
Contents: click to jump to a section
When is the best time to visit the Dartmoor Otter & Butterfly Sanctuary?
The best time to visit the otters is during feeding sessions, as this is when they are most active. Most otters are nocturnal, so they tend to nap after meals.
In addition, feeding sessions are the ideal opportunity to interact with the keepers. Our otter keeper was extremely knowledgeable, introducing each otter by name and sharing plenty of fascinating facts about their personalities and habits.
The feeding times at the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary are at 11.30am , 2pm and 4pm.
The otters at Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
There are 19 species of otters worldwide, and the sanctuary is home to three of these. The different otter species vary significantly in size and habits and live in separate, open-air enclosures.
-
British (European) otters live in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes. They often nap after eating, but you can still observe them in their sleeping quarters thanks to infra-red viewing lights.
-
North American river otters are larger and live near lakes, streams, and some coastal areas.
-
Asian Short-Clawed otters are smaller and very playful, making them particularly entertaining to watch.
All otters at the sanctuary enjoy water pumped directly from the local River Dart, providing a natural environment for swimming and play. You can also see otters swimming underwater in the viewing galleries.
The wildlife centre is home to two North American river otters. Unfortunately, the numbers of this species are in decline, as they are hunted for their furs.
Everyone’s favourite otters appeared to be the Asian Short Clawed otters. On first sight, you might think this is a group of babies (or pups), as they are considerably smaller than the other species.
This large group of otters was very frisky and playful, making them more fun to watch. They were in two enclosures to keep the families apart.
These little chaps feed on little crabs, mollusc, and small fish.
Conservation at the Otter Sanctuary
The sanctuary’s main focus is the conservation and protection of otters. Orphaned, abandoned, or injured otters are cared for in special facilities until they can be released back into the wild.
Some live in purpose-built enclosures away from the public, while others remain at the sanctuary if they are unsuitable for release or are part of breeding programs.
An otter experience day
We had an excellent view of the otters. However, for anyone wanting an even closer encounter, you can book an otter experience. This allows you to help with daily care, feed the otters, and even enter the enclosures. It’s a unique opportunity and apparently, a few marriage proposals have even taken place during these sessions!
Buckfast Butterfly Farm
After visiting the otters, we headed into the tropical greenhouse to see the butterflies. The hot house is extremely humid, so light clothing is recommended.
Inside the greenhouse, the butterflies flutter freely among lush plants. There are also several feeding areas, which make them easier to spot.
One of the highlights of the butterfly farm is the hanging chrysalis. If you’re patient, you might even witness a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
Other animals to look out for in the butterfly house are the red-eared terrapins and an iguana.
Practical Information
Opening hours
A visit to Dartmoor Otter and Butterflies Sanctuary typically takes about an hour, particularly if you time it for the otter feeding sessions.
Because the sanctuary is small, you can see the animals at close range. It’s an excellent all-weather activity in Dartmoor, as much of it is undercover.
Opening times: Open daily until 31st October, from 10.30am to 5pm.
Check out current prices on the official Dartmoor Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary website.
Where is the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is on the outskirts of Buckfastleigh, South Devon, easily accessible from the A38 Devon Expressway. There is a car park at the nearby train station, which also has a café and a miniature railway, making it easy to combine with other things to do in Buckfastleigh.
Have you had a visit to the Dartmoor Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary? We’d love to hear your comments below.
Pin for later: A visit to Dartmoor Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
