A LOCAL animal sanctuary, home to exotic rescued animals, is set to open its doors to the public for the first time.

Established as a not-for-profit by Lindsay McKenna, Wildside Exotic Rescue, has provided a home to numerous animals which have been neglected after being kept as pets or from zoos which have since closed.

Since the rescue centre was set up16 years ago, just outside Ross-on-Wye, it has not received any public visitors.

But now a social media posting states: "The gates to WildSide Exotic Rescue are opening for the first time in 2026 to offer a limited number of visitors a unique and unforgettable, close-up animal experience day.

"All ticket income will directly help care for the animals already here and offer sanctuary to more."