Highland Wildlife Park
Sightseeing attraction | Kingussie | Scotland | United Kingdom
Wildlife park in Scottish Highlands
The Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, Scotland, is one of the most remarkable attractions in the Highlands and an outstanding example of a wildlife park that showcases both native and international species in an impressive natural setting. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, the park covers an area of approximately 105 hectares and offers a unique combination of safari experience and zoological diversity. It is operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which also manages the Edinburgh Zoo, and is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and education about nature.
Animal species in Cairngorms National Park
Opened in 1972, the park has evolved over the years from a focus on Scottish wildlife to a sanctuary for animals from tundra and mountain regions worldwide. This change was initiated in 2007 to strengthen collaboration with the Edinburgh Zoo and increase visitor numbers, which had previously been stagnant. The Highland Wildlife Park is divided into two main areas: a drive-through section, which visitors can explore with their own vehicles, and a walking section. In the drive-through area, visitors can observe animals such as red deer, bison, moose, Przewalski's horses, and Bukhara deer up close as they drive through the open spaces of the park. The opportunity to drive through this area multiple times increases the chances of spotting the often elusive animals.
Experience at Highland Wildlife Park
In the walking section of the park, visitors will find a variety of enclosures and attractions carefully integrated into the natural landscape. Highlights include Scottish wildcats, distinguished from domestic cats by their characteristic markings and reclusive nature, as well as European wolves living in a special "Wolf Wood" area. The park also houses more exotic species such as Amur tigers, snow leopards, Arctic foxes, and Japanese macaques, which can be seen in their own area with a lake and an island. A particular attraction is the Polar Bear enclosure, the only one of its kind in Scotland, where they live in a spacious habitat and often captivate visitors' attention.
Nature and conservation in wildlife park
A more recent development is the "Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre", an interactive visitor center that tells the story of Scottish wildlife and provides insights into the park's conservation work. This facility includes exhibition spaces, an observation point, and educational rooms that enhance the visitor experience and promote understanding of the challenges of species conservation. The park plays a significant role in international breeding programs and houses rare species such as the red panda, Mishmi takin, and Chinese goral, which are highly endangered in their natural habitats.
Visitor center at Highland Wildlife Park
The landscape of the Highland Wildlife Park is as impressive as its animal residents. Nestled in the gentle hills of the Highlands, the park offers stunning views of the Cairngorms rising in the background. Ancient pine forests, open grasslands, and small streams create a backdrop that immerses both the animals and visitors in a wild, untouched environment. Walking trails lead through the walking section, allowing for a leisurely discovery of the diversity of wildlife.
For visitors, the park offers numerous experiences beyond just observing. Daily feeding demonstrations and ranger talks provide knowledge about the behavior and threats to the animals, while interactive elements like the "Build & Test" area encourage children to be creative. A café offers refreshments with views of the enclosures, and a shop sells souvenirs that remind visitors of their experiences in the park. The park is also known for its sustainability efforts, reflected in initiatives such as reducing plastic waste and promoting local products.
