FAQs | Highland Wildlife Park

General FAQs

When can I visit the park?

Highland Wildlife Park is open and you must book online in advance so we can manage visitor number safely – this includes annual pass holders, carers, children under 3 years old and pre-paid ticket holders.

Visitors will only be admitted if they have advanced online booking confirmation.

If you are an RZSS member, you and your guests can arrive between 2pm and 4pm without booking in advance. If you wish to arrive before 2pm, you will need to book tickets via the members portal.

Opening hours are currently 10am – 5pm with last entry at 4pm.

Tickets for entry up until 31 October have been released and can be booked at tickets.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Tickets will be released on a monthly basis (November tickets will be released at the end of September and so on).

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.
Is it safe to visit the park?
The educational, physical and mental health benefits of visiting zoos and enjoying nature are well known, which is why many zoos in Europe were among the first places to reopen.

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
- 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
- Only opening our cafes for takeaway services with card payments
- In line with government guidance, face coverings mandatory in all indoor areas, including our gift shop.
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. Masks are required in all indoor areas.

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 the government guidance to protect themselves and others. This means you must book online in advance, take responsible decisions on how far to travel and respect the new ‘rules of the road’ at the park.

If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home. Please do not arrange to visit the zoo in groups of more than six people from more than two households, in line with government guidance.

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 our cafes being open for limited takeaway services with card payment only.

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.

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.

We recommend going back to different enclosures at different times of the day
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.

There are additional protections needed for some animals which is why our wildcat and red panda areas are closed until further notice

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
- 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
- Only opening our cafes for takeaway services with card payments
- In line with government guidance, face coverings mandatory in all indoor areas, including our gift shop.
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. Masks are required in all indoor areas.

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

No. Due to the current restrictions, main 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, including our cafes and gift shop.

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.
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

Can I buy a ticket on the gate?

ONLY if you are an RZSS member arriving between 2pm and 4pm.

EVERYONE else is required to book online in advance – including RZSS members arriving before 2pm, annual pass holders and others with prepaid tickets.

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

Visitors can only be admitted if they have advanced online booking confirmation.
When and how can I book my ticket?

Highland Wildlife Park is open and you must book online in advance so we can manage visitor number safely – this includes annual pass holders, carers, children under 3 years old and pre-paid ticket holders.

Visitors can only be admitted if they have advanced online booking confirmation.

If you are an RZSS member, you and your guests can arrive between 2pm and 4pm without booking in advance. If you wish to arrive before 2pm, you will need to book tickets via the members portal.

Opening hours are currently 10am – 5pm with last entry at 4pm.

Tickets for entry up until 31 October have been released and can be booked at tickets.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Tickets will be released on a monthly basis (November tickets will be released at the end of September and so on).

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

If you are an RZSS member, you and your guests can arrive between 2pm and 4pm without booking in advance. If you wish to arrive before 2pm, you will need to book tickets via the members portal.

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

Visitors can only be admitted if they have advanced online booking confirmation.

Please choose the relevant ticket type and be prepared to show your advanced booking confirmation alongside proof of membership or prepaid tickets on arrival. Rest assured, you will not need to pay to book.

Membership confirmation emails, letters OR membership cards are accepted alongside a valid form of photo ID. Find more information in the ‘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.
I need to change my ticket dates, is this possible?

Due to high demand and limited visitor numbers, exchanging tickets for an alternative date may not be possible - please email wildlife@rzss.org.uk with your request and the team will do everything they can to help.

Tickets for entry up until 31 October have been released and can be booked at tickets.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Please note: visitor numbers are limited to protect you, other visitors and our staff.

Why do members and annual pass holders have to book in advance

For your safety and to help us manage queues, we are limiting visitor numbers and asking everyone to book online in advance if you are arriving before 2pm.

Tickets for annual pass holders and members are free as normal and tickets for member guests are available at the normal discounted rate.

RZSS members and their guests can arrive between 2pm and 4pm without booking in advance. If you wish to arrive before 2pm, you will need to book tickets via the members portal.

You are required 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
How do we book online?

Tickets for entry up until 31 October have been released and can be booked at tickets.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Tickets will be released on a monthly basis (November tickets will be released at the end of September and so on).

Please select the member option or member guest option as appropriate and be prepared to show your booking confirmation, a valid form of photo ID and confirmation of your membership on arrival.

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

Please note: visitor numbers are limited to protect you, other visitors and our staff.

And remember, you and your guests can arrive between 2pm and 4pm without booking in advance. If you wish to arrive before 2pm you will need to book tickets as before.
Why do you need members' details for Test and Protect?

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

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

Members need to provide these details on arrival if they've not been collected as part of the booking process (we updated the system as soon as the guidance changed, but many members had booked ahead).

Even though we already have your details in our membership database, this is the only way to be sure we're recording the exact date and time of your visit in compliance with government guidelines.

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

Read our updated privacy policy
Can we bring guests?

Yes – you can bring guests and pay for their tickets on the gate if you are arriving AFTER 2pm.

If you are arriving BEFORE 2pm, you need to purchase guest tickets online in advance. Children under 3 years old are free as normal but must also be booked in.

Please do not arrange to meet more than four households at the park with a maximum of 15 people overall, in keeping with Scottish Government guidelines.

If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms or have been identified as high risk, 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.

Please remember to book online in advance if you are planning to arrive before 2pm.
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.

I don't live in Scotland, can I visit the park?

Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows the government guidance to protect themselves and others. This means taking responsible decisions, including when it comes to travel.

Scottish government guidance states there is no restriction on travel within Scotland if individuals are acting in line with all other guidance - read more at transport.scotland.gov.uk

If you are travelling from elsewhere, please check both the Scottish Government guidance and the relevant guidance from your local government and be aware restrictions vary in different parts of the UK.

For example, Scottish government guidance requires face coverings to be worn by anyone over five years old in all indoor areas, including our admissions building and gift shop.

Exceptions can be made for 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.

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?

Current guidance asks everyone to avoid public transport where possible, especially at peak times and you can park for free at Highland Wildlife Park.

If you or anyone in your household are showing Covid-19 symptoms or have been identified as high risk, please stay at home.

What do I need to know before my visit?

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

This means you must book online in advance, take responsible decisions and respect the new ‘rules of the road’ at the park - your visit will feel different to normal, but we hope just as much fun!

Our safety measures include introducing one way routes, closing some areas (currently wildcats, capercallie and red pandas) and postponing keeper talks until further notice.

In line with government guidance, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor areas, including our cafes and gift shop. These may also be required in some 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.

As always, you are welcome to bring a picnic with your own food and non-alcoholic drink. Our cafes are only be 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 do ask that you remember to take your rubbish away with you – this is important for the safety of yourself and others and for the safety of our animals (who will try and eat just about anything that blows into their home!)
What will be closed/open?

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.

There are additional protections needed for some animals which is why a facemask will be required in our wildcat and red panda areas.

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

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, including our cafes and gift shop. 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, including our cafes and gift shop.

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, our gift shop is open for anyone wishing to purchase zoovenirs with card payments only.

A member of staff is on the door to control the volume of visitors entering the shop area and floor stickers will mark out 2m distancing.

In line with government guidance, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor areas, including our cafes and gift shop.

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.

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 until we know more. This includes keeping our wildcat and red panda areas closed because it is not possible to maintain the required distance from the animals.

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.
Why are keeper experiences still cancelled if you’re open?

As well as needing to respect social distancing, 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 until we know more.

We are reviewing our keeper experiences and will restart these as soon as it is safe to do so.
When is Hamish leaving?

Hamish is all grown up and ready to move out!

After an incredible two and a half years watching him grow it is almost time for Hamish to leave us for his new home at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

While we don't have an exact date Hamish could be leaving as early as Monday 26 October.
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

In this section

Daily Talks

Our main attractions

Our Animals

Snow leopard cubs born

Live webcam

Learning at the park

ZOOdle

Ways you can support

RZSS Membership

Welcome back to Highland Wildlife Park!

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Frequently asked questions

General FAQs

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

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Frequently asked questions

General FAQs

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