Learn about Scotland’s incredible variety of wildlife at this drive-through safari park and walking area.
The Highland Wildlife Park is a natural area of parkland, home to an impressive collection of wildlife. See a number of rare animals, such as Scottish wildcats, as well as wolves and other species that are now extinct in the rest of Scotland. Drive thorough the park’s main reserve, listen to engaging wildlife talks given by staff and explore the walking areas on foot.
At the Entrance Reserve, admire the view of the park backed by the stunning Cairngorm Mountains. See free-roaming yak and Bactrian camels, as well as Mishmi takin (a type of goat-antelope) in the first of the park’s two reserves.
Drive through the Main Reserve to see the park’s herd of European bison. If you don’t arrive by car, take one of the guided Land Rover tours provided by the park. Don’t miss the polar bear enclosure near the beginning of the reserve. Look around to see lapwings, oystercatcher and barnacle geese who live in the reserve.
Stroll through the park’s Woodland Walk, where you’ll see Eurasian eagle owls and Scottish wildcats. If you’re lucky, you might spot a wild red squirrel at one of the walk’s feeding stations. Check out the park’s European wolf pack in Wolf Wood and the herd of European forest reindeer nearby.
See the daily feeding talks hosted by the park’s animal keepers. Watch Amur tigers, snow monkeys or snow leopards being fed while the animal keepers provide interesting commentary about each species.
Join one of the park’s organized photography walks, during which experienced guides and keepers lead aspiring photographers around the park. These walks allow photographers to safely get nearer to the animals than would be possible during a normal visit, in order to capture more close-up shots.
The Highland Wildlife Park is 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Aviemore. The park has an admission fee. The last admission is 1 hour before closing. Reach the park easily by bus or train from Aviemore.
