Plan Your Visit

We are ready to welcome you back to Highland Wildlife Park

We know many of you have been counting the days until you can enjoy our wide open spaces and say hello to the animals you love.

We will be able to start welcoming you back from Monday 29 June, with a wide range of safety measures in place to protect you, our staff and our animals – find out more below.

Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows the government guidance to protect themselves and others. This means EVERYONE must book a ticket online in advance, take responsible decisions and respect the new ‘rules of the road’ at the park (or being being thrown to the polar bears) - your visit will feel different to normal, but we hope just as much fun!

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.

We really appreciate your support and patience and kindly ask that you read all of the information available 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!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Frequently asked questions

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

General FAQs

  • When can I visit the park?

    Highland Wildlife Park will be open from Monday 29 June and EVERYONE must book online in advance so we can manage visitor number safely – this includes RZSS members and guests, 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 and we will not be allowing anyone to buy tickets on the door on the day.

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

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

    Please note: visitor numbers will be 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 have been among the first places to reopen.

    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
    • Encouraging visitors to wear masks in line with government guidance

    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 will be 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 the government guidance to protect themselves and others. This means EVERYONE 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. In keeping with Scottish Government guidelines, please do not arrange to meet more than two other households at the park.

    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 limited takeaway services with card payment.

    There are additional protections needed for some animals which is why our wildcat and red panda areas will be 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 will not be running on reopening due to social distancing guidance and extra protections for some of our animals.

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

  • Are you still fundraising?

    While we are very excited to be able to start welcoming visitors back, this is still an incredibly difficult time for our charity.

    Most of our income comes from visitors but we have been closed for over three months and still need to limit visitor numbers for the safety of our visitors and our staff.

    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 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
    • Encouraging visitors to wear masks in line with government guidance

    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 will be 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.

  • Will toilets and playparks be open?

    Yes. Toilets and playparks will be 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?

    Face coverings will be required in some areas from Friday 10 June and are recommended in any enclosed spaces.

    In line with government guidance, from Friday 10 July face coverings will  be mandatory in our visitor centre, including our cafes and gift shop.

    Exceptions will 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 will not be provided so please do bring one along with you.

  • Can I buy a ticket on the gate?

    No. To protect our visitors and our staff, EVERYONE will have to book online in advance – including members/annual pass holders and others with prepaid tickets.

    Visitors will only be admitted if they have advanced online booking confirmation and we will not be allowing anyone to buy tickets on the gate on the day.

  • When and how can I book my ticket?

    Highland Wildlife Park will be open from Monday 29 June and EVERYONE must book online in advance so we can manage visitor number safely – this includes RZSS members and guests, 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 and we will not be allowing anyone to buy tickets on the door on the day.

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

    Please note: visitor numbers will be 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

     

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

    Yes. EVERYONE must book in advance so we can safely manage numbers – this includes members, member guests, annual pass holders, carers and children under 3 years old. Rest assured, you will not need to pay to book.

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

    Membership confirmation emails, letters OR membership cards will be 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.

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

    Please note: visitor numbers will be 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.

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

    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

  • How do we book online?

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

    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 will be limited to protect you, other visitors and our staff.

  • Can we bring guests?

    Yes – you can bring guests if you have purchased 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 two households at the park, 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 a pre-booked time slot is welcome - please only book a member ticket if you have confirmation of your membership via email – 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 will be all the proof we need. If you would like another confirmation sent to you, please contact membership@rzss.org.uk.

  • I live more than five miles away, can I visit the park?

    Scottish government guidance in place from Friday 3 July 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

    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.

    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 EVERYONE must book online in advance, take responsible decisions on how far to travel 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.

    Face coverings will be required in some areas and are recommended in any enclosed spaces.

    In line with government guidance, from Friday 10 July face coverings will be mandatory in our visitor centre, including our cafes and gift shop.

    Exceptions will 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 will not be 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 will only be open for limited takeaway services with card payments.

    There will be picnic tables available which will be regularly cleaned and placed with plenty of space in between.

    We will be asking 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 limited takeaway services with card payment.

    There are additional protections needed for some animals which is why our wildcat and red panda areas will be 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 will not be running on reopening due to social distancing guidance and extra protections for some of our animals.

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

  • Do I need to wear a mask?

    Face coverings will be required in some areas from Friday 10 June and are recommended in any enclosed spaces.

    In line with government guidance, from Friday 10 July face coverings will be mandatory in our visitor centre, including our cafes and gift shop.

    Exceptions will 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 will not be 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 will only be open for limited takeaway services with card payments. 

    There will be picnic tables available which will be 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, from Friday 10 July face coverings will be mandatory in our visitor centre, including our cafes and gift shop.

    Exceptions will 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 will not be provided so please do bring one along with you.

     

  • Will the toilets and playparks be open?

    Yes. Toilets and playparks will be 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 which will be open for anyone wishing to purchase zoovenirs with card payments only.

    A member of staff will be 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, from Friday 10 July face coverings will be mandatory in our visitor centre, including our cafes and gift shop.

    Exceptions will 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 will not be 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.

    As well as being an important safety measure for our visitors and staff, the limited visitor numbers and gradual opening plan will also give 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.

  • 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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