Buckle up for a claw-some adventure with Highland Wildlife Park animals

These days it’s getting harder and harder to pull your kids away from the screens. Spending time together as a family doesn’t need to be tougher than pulling teeth. Why not visit Highland Wildlife Park for a fun day out? Set off on a car-safari and see in person some of the most incredible animals in Scotland.

Looking for unusual or fun things to do in the highlands? Plan your visit to Highland Wildlife Park today

Meet the stars of Highland Wildlife Park

Have you ever wanted to see wild animals thriving in a natural landscape, all from the comfort and convenience of your very own car? Buckle up for a car-safari and head to the expansive grounds of Highland Wildlife Park. Highland Wildlife Park is home to Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and hosts a wide variety of animals, from tigers and reindeer to the mighty polar bear.

Set within the Cairngorm National Park and overlooking the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains, Highland Wildlife Park is a gateway to the natural world. Here, people can experience untouched nature and learn about the challenges facing wildlife today. Visitors will discover how this incredible park, with the support of RZSS, works to save animals from extinction.

Deer woods at Highland Wildlife Park — By foot or by car, there are many ways to catch a glimpse of the amazing Highland Wildlife Park animals.

At Highland Wildlife Park, there are a number of ways to see the animals.

Enjoy the drive-through reserve from the comfort of your own vehicle on a car safari. Here you can spot European bison, Bukhara and red deer, European elk, Przewalski’s horse and vicuna, birdlife and more. At your convenience, you can take in the unspoilt beauty of these magnificent creatures.

If you fancy it, stretch your legs and enjoy a walk around the entrance reserve where Bactrian camels roam. Next, embark on a scenic woodland walk. Pay attention – you may be able to spot Scotland’s wildcat, a red squirrel, or even a Eurasian eagle owl.

When visiting Highland Wildlife Park, don’t miss Wolf Wood. Opened in 2010 by HRH Princess Anne, the reserve is home to stunning creatures like the Mishmi takin, the Turkmenian markhor, European forest reindeer and of course, the European wolf pack. Wolf Wood is located between the entrance reserve and drive-through reserve and is a top priority on every visitor’s itinerary.

This wildlife conservation charity has a bold vision; to create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved!

Polar bear

A family outing to see Highland Wildlife Park animals isn’t complete without a visit to one of the world’s most incredible beings – the polar bear. Highland Wildlife Park is home to 4 polar bears: Walker, Arktos, Victoria and her cub, Brodie, who is currently the youngest polar bear in Scotland. Often seen swimming, chasing, wrestling and eating together, Walker, Artkos, Victoria and Brodie are amazing ambassadors for their species as they encourage visitors to learn more and protect the polar bear.

European grey wolf and Wolf Wood

European Grey Wolf at the Highland Wildlife Park — Strolling through Wolf Wood, you may be lucky enough to spot a European grey wolf.

As you wander through Wolf Wood, you may come face to face with one of the European grey wolves at Highland Wildlife Park. Wolves used to be plentiful throughout Scotland but unfortunately have faced decades of persecution, trapping and hunting for their fur. Now, RZSS is working to protect and foster this majestic species. Learn more about Highland Wildlife Park’s wolf conservation project before your next visit.

Arctic fox

The Arctic fox is a must-see animal at Highland Wildlife Park. Located near the visitor centre are two Arctic foxes: Sarah, a female born in 2019 and Jack, a male who came to Highland Wildlife Park from the Rostock Zoo in October 2022. With striking fur coats (pristinely white in the winter and changing to a darker hue in the summertime), these creatures have fought for survival against the fur trade. At Highland Wildlife Park, you can see beautiful animals thrive.

Snow leopard

Highland Wildlife Park is home to 5 snow leopards. Animesh, the park’s adult female, was born in 2013 and came from Marwell Zoo in England. Koshi, the male and her mate, arrived in 2020 from The Big Cat Sanctuary. In May 2022, Animesh and Koshi became parents to a trio of cubs, 2 girls and 1 boy, called Maya, Padme and Yashin.

You can visit the snow leopards behind the wolverine enclosure on the way up to the viewing area at the top of the hill in the walk-around section.

Japanese macaque

A Japanese Macaque, one of the Highland Wildlife Park animals

Also known as the snow monkey, the Japanese macaques at Highland Wildlife Park are part of the European Endangered Species Programme. In recent years, the park has had great success breeding the macaques. Between April and July 2020, the troop welcomed 5 new arrivals. In 2022, little Nakatomi was born.

Japanese macaques live in large social groups known as troops, and you can visit the park’s very own macaque troop in the walk around area near the tigers.

Get up close and see the incredible Highland Wildlife Park animals today. Plan your visit to Highland Wildlife Park, book your tickets, and get ready for a roaringly fun time.