Inside Wildside Exotic Rescue: A One‑Off Special chat with founder Lindsay Mckenna

A Sunshine Radio Podcast

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026 - 18 minutes

Welcome to this one‑off special episode as Mark Edwards chats to Lindsay McKenna from Wildside Exotic Rescue  — this is an insightful, behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the UK’s most remarkable animal sanctuaries.

Wildside Exotic Rescue is a not‑for‑profit sanctuary caring for more than 200 rescued wild, non‑native animals across 38 species. From mountain lions and lynx to capybaras, raccoons, monkeys, and even zebras, every resident has a story — emotional, surprising, and often deeply moving.

In this exclusive episode, we explore the heart of Wildside:
how it all began with a single raccoon in a garage, the extraordinary journey of founder Lindsay and her lifelong mission to protect animals, and the reality of the UK’s largely unregulated exotic pet trade. You’ll hear the stories behind the rescues, the challenges of rehabilitation, and the truth about why so many wild animals end up needing sanctuary.

We also reveal Wildside’s brand‑new Open Days, launching in 2026 — the first time the public has ever been invited inside. It’s an intimate, immersive experience designed to educate, inspire, and shine a light on the animals who should never have been pets in the first place.

This one‑off podcast is raw, honest, and full of heart — a rare chance to step into the world of Wildside and understand the work that happens far from the spotlight.

If you care about wildlife, rescue work, or the stories behind the animals we rarely get to see, this special episode is for you.

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