Scotland boasts numerous wildlife parks and zoos offering diverse and exciting experiences for all ages.
Encounter animals that once roamed the Scottish countryside, come face to face with lions or even walk amongst dinosaurs!
Most of the parks and zoos in Scotland are open all year round and many offer interactive experiences with Scottish animals. You can become a zookeeper for a day, feed giraffes, have fun with meerkats or embark on treetop adventures.
Here are five of our favourite wildlife parks to visit in Scotland this summer.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo, managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, is home to over 2500 incredible animals. This zoo offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural world, learn about the challenges facing wildlife conservation and discover how they are working to prevent species extinction.
Located in the Corstorphine area of the city, the zoo was the first in the world to house and breed penguins. Watching the penguin parade during a visit here is a must!
You can view some of the animals via their webcams and download a map to help you plan your visit. They also offer an accessible map and many of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair. You can view more details on their website about mobility services which are available.
This is a full day out of fun and learning for all the family.
Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park, spanning 160 acres, is a safari park and zoo near Kingussie within the Cairngorms National Park.
It was opened in 1972 and has been managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 1986. It is open all year round, weather permitting except on Christmas Day.
The park is home to a diverse range of species from tundra and mountainous habitats from around the world including Amur Tiger (Siberian Tiger), Arctic Fox, European Grey Wolf, Polar Bear, Snow Leopard and many more.
Visitors can explore the new discovery centre which features an interactive exhibition, a hilltop den where you can learn about their conservation work and new classrooms which provide space for local communities to engage with the natural world.
Five Sisters Zoo
Five Sisters Zoo is a family run zoo with wildlife at its heart and is located in West Calder which is just a short drive from Edinburgh.
The zoo houses over 160 species, including Scotland’s only cheetah. Visitors can learn about their rescued animals including brown bears, lions, an Asiatic black bear and you can also explore their indoor reptile house. Daily keeper talks provide insights in to the animals lives.
During your visit you can relax in the Leaping Lemurs restaurant. There’s even a soft play area for children.
Five Sisters Zoo are also proud members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and work with conservation partners across the world. They are incredibly passionate about animal care, breeding programmes and habitat restoration.
The Scottish Deer Centre
The Scottish Deer Centre in Fife is the perfect way to get up close to 13 different species of deer. During your visit here you can hand feed the deer with food which you can purchase at the centre- such an amazing and memorable experience!
As well as deer’s you can also visit animals which are long lost from the Scottish countryside including wolves, lynx, Scottish Wildcat and brown bears.
The park also boasts additional attractions such as a Go Kart track, woodland walk and tree top walk.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Encounter over 350 rare and exotic animals at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. The park is home to an elephant, lions, tigers, camels, bison, rhinos, giraffes and so much more. Many of the animals within the park roam freely or are kept in large enclosures across the 120 acre estate.
You can get up close and personal to many of the animals from the comfort of your own car. Just remember to wind up your windows first! The baby macaques are famous for their mischievous antics so don’t be surprised if they jump on your car for a closer look.
Explore the dinosaur forest where you can see life sized replicas, including a 21 meter diplodocus and a fierce T-Rex. Learn about birds of prey during one of the flying displays or sit in on a sea lion demonstrations during their training sessions.
Will you be visiting any of these wildlife parks this summer?