Wildlife conservation charity urges change to weather apps as misleading forecasts deter thousands of visitors

Misleading weather forecasts predicting rain are costing Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park up to £40,000 a day, a leading wildlife conservation charity has warned.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is calling on the Met Office to review how weather forecasts are displayed on popular apps as part of a UK-wide campaign backed by more than 80 outdoor attractions.

Research shows unfavourable forecasts can reduce visitor numbers at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park by up to 30%.

Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said: “Many people decide how they will spend their day based on the weather and a quick glance at their phone.

“Our concern is that many sites display a rain icon for the entire day even if wet weather is only forecast for a short period early in the morning or late at night.

“Unfortunately, this can create the misleading impression that the whole day will be wet and put people off visiting.

“During the school holidays this can reduce visitor numbers at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park by 2,000 people and cost our charity up to £40,000 in a day, which is enough to feed all our penguins for more than a year.”

RZSS has joined calls for discussions with the Met Office, government and major weather app developers to explore improvements to how forecasts are presented.

“We greatly value the Met Office’s expertise and want to work together to ensure the public has the information it needs to make quick but informed decisions about how to spend their time,” said Supple.

“Practical improvements could include splitting weather icons into day and night conditions, adding short summaries such as ‘showers early followed by brighter weather’, or indicators showing how many hours of dry weather are expected.

“This matters because every visitor to our zoos helps fund vital conservation work, including efforts to save Scotland’s wildcats.”

The campaign is supported by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA).

Michael Golding, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “There is a clear link between the weather and people visiting zoos, wildlife parks and other outdoor attractions, so it is vital the public does not receive mixed messages.

“Accurate weather information is essential for decision-making, particularly for families, older visitors and people with additional needs who often have to plan further ahead.

“This campaign is about helping charities like the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland do even more to protect wildlife and connect people with nature.”

Read the letter to the Met Office