Plan Your Visit

Welcome back to Highland Wildlife Park!

We are open seven days a week to pre-booked visitors and RZSS members while restrictions are still in place in Scotland.

Tickets are limited for everyone's safety and may sell out up to a week in advance for school holidays and weekends - please remember to book a time slot online in advance unless you are an RZSS member or accompanied guest.

With even more of you planning to see our incredible animals and enjoy our outdoor spaces, it is really important to be aware of what might be different on the day, including limited catering options (feel free to bring a picnic!) - please read the information in the FAQs below to find out what to expect.

Safety comes first and everyone must follow current government guidance to protect themselves and others - the Highland Council area is currently in Covid protection level one. 

RZSS members and their accompanied guests no longer have to book in advance for visits to Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo. As usual, RZSS members must accompany guests who can pay for admission on the gate – please see the members section below for more information and sign up for member emails for the latest updates.  

Please respect the ‘rules of the road’ at the park and our dedicated teams who are there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun day out. 

We really appreciate your support and patience and kindly ask that you read the information below before getting in touch (you can find contact details at the bottom of this page).  

Hopefully you can visit us soon – we look forward to seeing you!  

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Frequently asked questions

  • General
  • Safety
  • RZSS members
  • Travel
  • Tickets
  • During your visit
  • Animals, adoptions and experiences

General FAQs

  • Is it safe to visit the park?

    The educational, physical and mental health benefits of visiting zoos and enjoying nature are well known.

    Highland Wildlife Park has large outdoor spaces and we have put all the required safety measures in place for our staff and visitors.

    This includes:

    • Limiting visitor numbers with advanced online booking required for non-members
    • Frequent cleaning in high contact areas and additional hygiene precautions
    • Adding and signposting handwashing and hand sanitiser stations around the park
    • Introducing one-way routes in some areas so different households can stay 2m apart
    • Postponing all keeper talks to avoid crowds
    • In line with government guidance, face coverings mandatory in all indoor areas

    We are doing everything we can to make the park safe for everyone which means your visit will be different to normal.

    Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

    If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

  • Is there any reason I should not visit the park?

    Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows government guidance to protect themselves and others. If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home. 

    To keep you safe, we have limits on our visitor numbers which means you need to book online in advance unless you are an RZSS member or accompanied guest.

    Your visit will be different to normal because we have introduced a range of measures for your safety. This includes postponing all keeper talks and only opening our cafes for limited takeaway services with card payment only. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic!

    Please respect the new ‘rules of the road’ at the park and our dedicated teams who are there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun day out. 

    If you are visiting to see a particular animal or species, please be aware that our animals can explore different areas during the day and may choose to spend some time in private or simply blend in with their natural camouflage. We recommend going back to different enclosures at different times of the day.

    Some areas may also be closed for your safety or for vet checks at short notice and we cannot guarantee you will see all the animals on your visit. 

    If you are a pet owner - please be aware that only fully trained guide dogs are permitted in the park. To protect animal welfare, dogs and other pets are not permitted in any areas of Highland Wildlife Park, including our car park.

  • What will be open/closed?

    For your safety and that of our staff and animals, we have introduced a range of measures which include keeping some animal areas closed, postponing all keeper talks and main reserve tours, and only opening our cafes for limited takeaway services with card payment (please free free to bring a picnic!)

    All keeper talks are postponed to avoid crowds and main reserve tours are cancelled until further notice due to the current restrictions.

    Keeper Experiences are not currently running due to social distancing guidance and extra protections for some of our animals.

    Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place. Masks are required in all indoor areas.

  • Are you still fundraising?

    Yes - while we have been very excited to welcome visitors again, this is still an incredibly difficult time for our charity.

    Most of our income comes from visitors but we were closed for over three months and still need to limit visitor numbers for everyone's safety.

    Covid-19 has been the most significant challenge our organisation has ever faced, and we need your help to ensure animals at the park and in the wild can continue to thrive. 

    You can help care for our animals and protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world by supporting our Survival Fund at highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/help

  • What safety measures will be in place?

    Highland Wildlife Park has large outdoor spaces and we are putting all of the required safety measures in place for our staff and visitors.

    This includes:

    • Limiting visitor numbers with advanced online booking required for non-members
    • Frequent cleaning in high contact areas and additional hygiene precautions
    • Adding and signposting handwashing and hand sanitiser stations around the park
    • Postponing all keeper talks to avoid crowds
    • Only opening our cafes for takeaway services with card payments
    • In line with government guidance, face coverings mandatory in all indoor areas.

    We are doing everything we can to make the park safe for everyone which means your visit will be different to normal.

    Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

    If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

    Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows government guidance to protect themselves and others. This means you must not  gather in groups of more than six households with more than six adults and everyone must book a time slot online in advance.  

    Please respect the new ‘rules of the road’ at the park and our dedicated teams who are there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun day out. 

  • Will toilets and playparks be open?

    Yes. Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

  • Can I still get a tour of the drive-through reserve?

    No. Due to the current restrictions, drive-through reserve tours are postponed until further notice.

    We are looking into safe options to resume the tours and will keep this page updated.

  • Do I need to wear a mask?

    In line with government guidance, face coverings are required in all indoor areas.

    Exceptions can be made for children under 12 years old, people with breathing difficulties and those with disabilities where the use of masks would be distressing or make communication difficult.

    Masks are not provided so please do bring one along with you.

  • Are you recording information for contact tracing?

    Yes. In line with the Scottish Government Test and Protect guidance, we are recording visitors' contact details, including telephone numbers.

    We request these details as part of our online booking process and hold them for 21 days.

    Please note, we are required to share these details with the NHS upon request.

    Read our updated privacy policy

RZSS members

  • Do members have to book in advance?

    No - RZSS members and their accompanied guests no longer have to book in advance for visits to Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo.

    As usual, RZSS members must accompany guests who can pay for admission on the gate – please sign up for member emails for the latest updates. 

    You will need to bring confirmation of both your membership/annual pass and online advanced booking, alongside a valid form of photo ID on the day of your visit.

    Membership confirmation can include your confirmation email, letter OR membership card if you have one.

  • Can we bring guests?

    Yes – you can bring guests and buy their tickets when you arrive at Highland Wildlife Park.

    Please do not arrange to meet in groups of more than 12 households at the park with more than 12 adults, in keeping with Scottish Government guidelines.

    Members must be present when guests enter the park. 

    If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

  • Can I come if I am a new RZSS member?

    Yes. Any RZSS member with confirmation of  membership is welcome – you will need to show this, confirmation of your advanced booking and a valid form of photo ID on arrival.

  • Can I become a member?

    Yes! You can join us as a member online. You will receive a confirmation email straight away which you can then use as proof of membership when visiting.

    While we have social distancing measures in place, we encourage you to purchase your membership before you visit rather than on site.

  • How do I check the status of my membership or renew?

    To check the status of your membership, or to restart/renew your membership, please contact membership@rzss.org.uk.

    We are receiving LOTS of messages and will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.

  • I haven’t received my membership card, what do I do?

    If you haven’t received a card yet, please don’t worry – your confirmation email or letter together with a valid form of photo ID is all the proof we need. If you would like another confirmation sent to you, please contact membership@rzss.org.uk.

  • Can I travel to visit the park?

    You can travel from across the UK to visit the park, unless you live in a level three or four area with temporary restrictions are in place.

    Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows current government guidance to protect themselves and others.  

    If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

  • Can I use public transport to access the park?

    You can travel from across the UK to visit the park, unless you live in a level three or four area with temporary restrictions are in place.

    Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows current government guidance to protect themselves and others.  

    Find out how to get to Highland Wildlife Park.

    If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

  • Can I buy a ticket on the gate?

    ONLY if you are an RZSS member (please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests).

    EVERYONE else is required to book online in advance — including those with prepaid tickets.

    This is important so we can manage our restricted visitor numbers safely.

    There are allocated time slots for entry at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm — we will only admit visitors during or after their booked time slot, if they have advanced online booking confirmation.

    No matter what time slot you arrive in, everyone can stay until the park closes at 5pm.

    Last entry is at 4pm — though we recommend giving yourself at least two hours to get around the park.

  • When and how can I book my ticket?

    EVERYONE must book online in advance (except for RZSS members and their guests) so we can manage visitor number safely — this includes carers, children under 3 years old and pre-paid ticket holders.

    There are allocated time slots for entry at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm — we will only admit visitors within their booked time slot (though it's okay if you're running a little bit late).

    No matter what time slot you are in, you can stay until the park closes to all visitors at 5pm. Tickets must be booked at least two hours before your arrival slot.

    Please note: visitor numbers are limited to protect you, other visitors and our staff. Exchanging tickets for an alternative date may not be possible due to demand.

    Prepaid tickets include postponed tickets, gift admission vouchers and corporate tickets. You can also use this option for Blue Peter badge holders (prepaid child) and if you are a member at one of our reciprocal zoos.

    Book members and annual pass tickets

    (Please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests.)

    Book all other tickets

  • How much are tickets?

    General admission tickets

     

     

    		 With donation  Without donation
    Adult  £18.50 £16.80
    Child £12.50 £11.35
    Concession  £15.50 14.00

    Member guest tickets

      With donation Without donation
    Adult       £13.85 £12.60
    Child £9.35 8.50

     

    Every ticket purchased helps to care for our animals and protect wildlife in Scotland and around the world - find out more

    Remember, RZSS membership is fantastic value, including FREE visits to Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo all year round, and so much more! Discover more RZSS member benefits.

  • I am a member, annual pass holder or have a pre-paid ticket, do I need to book?

    For your safety and to help us manage queues, we are limiting visitor numbers and asking everyone to book a time slot in advance during peak times (please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests).

    Asking visitors to book online means we can manage visitor numbers safely – this includes carers, children under 3 years old and pre-paid ticket holders.

    Please choose the relevant ticket type and be prepared to show your advanced booking confirmation alongside proof of any memberships, annual passes or prepaid tickets on arrival.

    For RZSS members, membership confirmation emails, letters OR membership cards are accepted alongside a valid form of photo ID. Find more information in the ‘RZSS members’ section on this page.

    Prepaid tickets include gift admission vouchers, postponed tickets and corporate tickets. You can also use this option if you are a member at one of our reciprocal zoos.

    Children with Blue Peter badges go free with a full paying adult - simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option and be sure to have your badge with you on the day.

    Book members and annual pass tickets

    (Please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests.)

    Book all other tickets

  • How do I book a Blue Peter badge or 'Kids for a quid' ticket?

    Children with Blue Peter badges go free with a full paying adult - simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option when booking online in advance and be sure to have your badge with you on the day.

    Children with Scotrail 'kids for a quid' ticket are also free with a full paying adult - simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option when booking online in advance and be sure to have the Scotrail ticket with you and valid for the same day.

  • I need to change my ticket dates, is this possible?

    If you need to change the date of your visit for any reason please email wildlife@rzss.org.uk, including your booking details, and bear with us - our team are receiving high volumes of queries and will get back to everyone as soon as they can. Thank you for your patience.

    We will of course rearrange your visit to a day with availability if you need to self-isolate or have another emergency and really appreciate your patience - do not worry if you do not receive a reply before your original booked date.

    Please note: visitor numbers are limited to protect you, other visitors and our staff. It may not be possible to rearrange your visit to a date that is already fully booked.

  • What will be closed/open?

    For your safety and that of our staff and animals, we have introduced a range of measures which include postponing all keeper talks and main reserve tours, and only opening our cafes for limited takeaway services with card payment.

    Keeper Experiences are not running due to social distancing guidance and extra protections for some of our animals.

    Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

  • Do I need to wear a mask?

    In line with government guidance, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor areas. They may also be required in some other areas.

    Exceptions can be made for children under five years old, people with breathing difficulties and those with disabilities where the use of masks would be distressing or make communication difficult.

    Masks are not provided so please do bring one along with you.

  • Can I bring a picnic or will the cafes be open?

    Yes! As always, you are welcome to bring a picnic with your own food and non-alcoholic drink.

    Our cafes are only open for limited takeaway services with card payments. 

    There are picnic tables available which are regularly cleaned and placed with plenty of space in between. We simply ask that you remember to take your rubbish away with you with consideration for our other visitors and the safety of our animals (who will try and eat just about anything that blows into their home!)

    Please note: in line with government guidance, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor areas.

    Exceptions can be made for children under five years old, people with breathing difficulties and those with disabilities where the use of masks would be distressing or make communication difficult.

    Masks are not provided so please do bring one along with you.

  • Will the toilets and playparks be open?

    Yes. Toilets and playparks are open with additional cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

  • Will keeper talks and tours be on?

    No. All keeper talks are postponed indefinitely to avoid crowds and the main reserve tours are also cancelled until further notice due to current restrictions.

  • Will the gift shop be open?

    Yes! In line with government guidance our gift shop is currently open. 

  • Are the animals okay?

    Yes. Throughout this time, our keepers and vets have been continuing to give our animals the best of care and working hard to keep their routines as normal as possible.

    We are still learning more about the virus every day and many of our keepers are wearing masks and taking even more precautions to protect the animals and themselves. 

    As well as being an important safety measure for our visitors and staff, the limited visitor numbers and gradual opening plan has also given our animals time to adjust.

    Many of them have missed the different sights and smells that they get to experience when we are open to visitors.

  • I’m an adopter and I get free tickets as part of my adoption, what do I do?

    If you have not yet received your adoption pack in the post, please email membership@rzss.org.uk with your details and they can send e-tickets across to your inbox for you to use and will get your exciting adoption pack to you as soon as possible.

    Please also email membership@rzss.org.uk with your details if your tickets expired while we were closed. We can arrange for new tickets to be sent to you.

    If you are a silver, gold or platinum adopter, we would also recommend sending an email when you have booked your visit, so that we can ensure your name is up on the adoption sign

Have another question?

Please bear with us (pun always intended) - we are receiving LOTS of messages and emails and will try to get back to everyone as quickly as we can.

Like many other charities, we are working with a smaller team at the moment and will not be able to answer phone calls at this time.

We really appreciate your support and patience and kindly ask that you read all of the information available before getting in touch.

 

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