14 Best Animal and Wildlife Parks In Scotland
Scotland is a hub for wildlife, as the rural landscape is a perfect place for wildlife. In all the country’s nooks and crannies is an array of nature. This post lists the best animal and wildlife parks in Scotland.
The country is home to two national parks, the Cairngorms National Park and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Also, there are several regional parks, country parks and national nature reserves in Scotland.
Some of the wildlife you can see roaming in the wild are puffins, red deer, seals and red squirrels. There are plenty of tours which will take you to the wildlife hotspots.
As well as heading in nature, there are plenty of enclosures across the country which showcase the best wildlife in Scotland.
Edinburgh Zoo
Location: Corstorphine
Edinburgh Zoo is home to 1,000 rare and endangered animals, including the United Kingdom’s only giant pandas. The zoo is located on the south-facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill, which has nice views of the city.
In 1913, the zoo was set up and known as the Scottish National Zoological Park. Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, which receives 600,000 visitors a year.
In addition, at Edinburgh Zoo, you can enjoy a penguin parade and witness the United Kingdom’s only knighted penguin – Sir Nils Olav.
There are plenty of zoo keepers who will engage in daily keeper talks about the birds, meerkats and bears. Moreover, you can walk through certain animal enclosures, such as monkeys, lemurs, wallabies and pelicans, resulting in a unique experience.
The Tiger Tracks enclosure brings you closer than ever to the Sumatran tiger. There is a glass viewing tunnel which brings you closer to this stunning feline animal.
There are many events throughout the year at Edinburgh Zoo. In the winter, you can enjoy Edinburgh Zoo Winter Nights.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Location: Blair Drummond
Blair Drummond is located near Stirling and is only an hour between Glasgow and Edinburgh. This safari park is one of Scotland’s top attractions for an incredible family day out.
This 120-acre estate opened to the public in 1970. There are over 300 rare animals that are located in large enclosures.
The site is divided into four wildlife reserves which are full of exotic animals. The best part of Blair Drummond is the drive-thru safari, where you will be up close with lions, antelopes, elephants, rhinos, deer and giraffes.
Also, there is lemur land which is an enclosure where visitors can walk through as the lemurs climb the trees above you. Moreover, a boat ride is available, which takes you around chimp island.
One of my favourite things to do is go to the sea lion show. The keepers show how well the animals are trained for exercise, making everything into an enjoyable game with lots of rewards along the way.
There are plenty of facilities including face painting, a small fairground and a cafeteria. There are touch tables, workshops, and guided walks, which all support the environment and care for wildlife.
The Scottish Deer Centre
Location: Cupar
The Scottish Deer Centre is located in the flatlands of Fife, near Cupar, covering 55 acres. There are over a dozen species of deer which occupy several large fields around the site, and there are birds of prey and Scottish carnivores.
Some of the main species are reindeer, brown bear, elk and lynx, which are all kept in large enclosures. Also, the centre is home to Fife’s only wolf pack, otters and other rare breeds, including Scottish wildcat.
At the Raptor World Bird of Prey Centre, you can come face-to-face with some amazing birds. There are daily tours, talks, feeding events, and activities where you can get an insight into the animal kingdom in a fun way.
Sea Life – Loch Lomond
Location: Balloch
The Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond is located on the shores of Loch Lomond, just a thirty-minute drive from Glasgow.
There are seven themed zones which represent the seven oceans. In the ocean tunnel, you can view Scotland’s only green turtle, which lives up to 100 years old.
There are over 1,500 creatures on display, including the black-tip reef shark, octopus and clownfish. There is a touch pool which has many creatures that live in the rock pools in Scotland.
Moreover, there is an Ocean Tunnel which will take you beneath 250,000 litres of water.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
Location: Balloch
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in Balloch, near the shores of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, only half an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The centre is open from April to September, 10 am to 5 pm, and the opening times vary in the winter months.
There is a chance to see some rare and endangered species from all parts of the world. You will get the chance to meet Orla the Golden Eagle, Shaira the Asian Wood Owl, Buzz the Buzzaed and many more amazing birds.
Visitors can enjoy a flying show which occurs twice a day. Also, there is an education centre and a gift shop.
Highland Wildlife Park
Location: Kincraig
Highland Wildlife Park is set in the stunning Cairngorms National Park. The wildlife park is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and was founded in 1986.
There are over 200 species situated in the park, from Scottish species to endangered animals from across the world’s tundra regions.
Some of the famous residents that live in the park include snow leopards, Amur tigers, Japanese macaques, European grey wolves and Scotland’s only polar bears.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about endangered species and how to save them in the wild. There are daily keep talks and animal feeds hosted by experts on the team.
One of the things you can learn about Scotland’s elusive wildcats. Visitors can drive around the main reserve and then explore the rest of the park on foot.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Location: Aviemore
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is located near the banks of Loch Morlich near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. Since 1952, the population of deer has been steadily increasing.
The centre is open from February right through the year until early January. There are daily guided Hill Trips to see the reindeer on the slopes of the mountains from early March onwards.
Depending on the weather and the terrain, the reindeer are viewable after a 20 minute to 40-minute walk. Experienced reindeer herders will guide you through the national park.
When you do see them, you can walk amongst them freely, with the opportunity to feed them, stroke and take as many photos as you can. Allow 1.5 to two hours for the trip.
There is a crowd of reindeer at the Paddocks and Exhibition in Glenmore. For the kids, there are quizzes, a play area in the elve’s house and a chance to visit Santa’s bothy.
Deep Sea World
Location: North Queensferry
Deep Sea World is located in North Queensferry, next to the Forth Rail Bridge, which is only a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh. The aquarium has the largest collection of sharks in the United Kingdom, and you can have the chance to dive with superb creatures.
There is a rainforest exhibit which replicates the Amazon and there are tropical frogs, piranha and electric eels on display. The displays take you from the depths of the ocean to the rugged coastline of Scotland.
One of my favourite things was going outside and seeing the seals play about in the water. Also, there is an underwater safari which offers 112 metres of underwater adventures, one of the longest underwater tunnels in Europe.
There are opportunities to ask the knowledge team questions, and you can join a talk, watch feeds and diver sessions. From reptiles to rainforest animals and sharks, there is a good range of sea creatures to view.
Five Sisters Zoo
Location: West Calder
The Five Sisters Zoo is located next to West Calder and Livingston in West Lothian. The zoo was established in 2005, and at that time, there were only a few farm animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and pigs.
Since then, the zoo has grown, and there are now over 130 different species of mammals, birds and reptiles from all over the world. The zoo is compact, with good wheelchair access, and there are great opportunities to get up close to the animals.
The zoo keepers do talks throughout the day, and you can learn more about the otters, the bears, the meerkats, the porcupines, the arctic wolves and the lynx. At various times of the day, there are opportunities to feed the brown and ring-tailed lemurs, which is a very special experience.
Moreover, the zoo offers a chance to touch the smaller animals and reptiles at the education centre. At the centre of the zoo, there is a large picnic area and a large outdoor play area.
World of Wings Bird of Prey Centre
Location: Luggiebank
The World of Wings Bird of Prey Centre is located in the village of Luggiebank, on the outskirts of Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire. There is a wide range of majestic birds, including hawks, eagles, owls and falcons.
You can watch one of the daily flying displays, which are one hour long and occur in the summer months. The experience is fantastic, and you can watch the team of birds swoop over your head.
The falconers are extremely knowledgeable. The handling and flying sessions are some of the most popular events.
Auchinharrich Wildlife and Adventure Park
Location: Comrie
Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is located near Crieff in Perthshire. The centre includes a well-stocked wildlife park, a zoo and a petting farm.
There are plenty of activities for the family, including an indoor play barn and mini golf. Also, there are nature trails, with opportunities to see red and fallow deer, Scottish feral goats, red squirrels and birds of prey.
There are opportunities to get close and feed the animals and complete pony rides. Also, there is an opportunity to go fishing. Rod and bait are available for hire.
This is a magical place with helpful and informative staff. Also, the animals are accustomed to human interaction, and you can experience Highland Cows first-hand.
Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Location: Dundee
Camperdown Wildlife Centre is located in Camperdown Country Park in Dundee. There are opportunities in the park to see many birds and animals, including the European brown bear.
In addition, you can witness some Scottish species including the Golden Eagle and Highland Cow. The Bear Broch Visitor Centre, is a custom-made replica of an ancient Scottish stone dwelling, the only building to have existed when bears still roamed Scotland.
This is a great destination for a family afternoon out. Also, there are education programmes where colleges, schools and private groups can learn about the animals and the park.
In the winter, the wildlife centre holds a dark adventure called wild lights, a light display that gives you the chance to see nocturnal wildlife and a spectacular light show.
Discover Amazonia
Location: Motherwell
Discover Amazonia is located in Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell. The venue is the largest indoor tropical rainforest and is home to over seventy species.
Visitors can admire parrots, monkeys, snakes and butterflies. Digital displays will let you learn about the Amazon in a fun way and interact with monkeys and insects.
Throughout the day, there are sessions where you can get close to some of the animals and handle them. The centre only takes half an hour to walk around and there is a good selection of creepy crawlies.
St Andrews Aquarium
Location: St Andrews
St Andrews Aquarium is located on the north-facing cliffs of St Andrews. From the aquarium, there are great views across West Sands Beach and St Andrews Bay.
In the aquarium, you can see some of the world’s greatest sea life. Some of the main displays are The Humboldt Penguin from South America and Scotland’s Harbour Seals.
Moreover, there are exotic displays, including tropical fish, Lionfish and Octopus. Even though this is an aquarium, meerkats live here and are a favourite among the kids.
There is a gift shop and Steprock Cafe.
Where is the most wildlife in Scotland?
The most wildlife in Scotland is in the remote areas of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This area is particularly good for spotting golden eagles and red deer.
Also, there is plenty of wildlife in the National Nature Reserves around the country. The cliffs along the coast attract high populations of a variety of birds, including puffins.
What are the big five in Scottish Wildlife?
The Big Five is determined by Scottish Natural History and consists of the Golden Eagle, Red Deer, Common Seal, Otter and Red Squirrel.
What is the biggest zoo in Scotland?
The biggest zoo in Scotland is Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo covers 82 acres, is located in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh and is home to over 1,000 species and endangered animals.
Does Scotland have an aquarium?
Yes, Scotland has a few aquariums. The first aquarium is called Deep Sea World, which is located in North Queensferry, nestled under the Forth Rail Bridge.
Another aquarium is located in St Andrews in Fife. The final aquarium is located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This is called Sea Life – Loch Lomond.
Final Note
Visiting wildlife parks in Scotland is an amazing way to get up close to spectacular creatures. From the cheeky otters to sharks, visitors can learn about the fantastic work completed by the people who work in the wildlife sector in Scotland.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about wildlife and the roles that people are taking to help preserve endangered species and preserve wildlife. Also, there are breeding programmes and conservation efforts ongoing.
Heading to the local zoo or wildlife centre is a great way to support these causes and is a great day out. Zoos are essential for research and education and are great for people who have interests in ecology and biology.
This post lists the best wildlife centre in Scotland, which is great to add to your holiday itinerary, or it is somewhere to go at the weekend.