Adorable wildcat kitten born at Highland Wildlife Park

Highland Wildlife Park has just welcomed one of its smallest – and arguably most adorable – residents: a European wildcat kitten named Tay. Born on 4 August 2025, Tay’s name was chosen by People's Postcode Lottery and is a playful nod not only to Scotland’s longest river, the River Tay, but also global superstar Taylor Swift, who has Scottish heritage.

Tay’s arrival is more than just cute - it’s a symbol of survival. Wildcats (Felis silvestris) are one of Britain’s most threatened mammals and one of Scotland’s most iconic species, embodying wild nature in the Scottish Highlands. Once common across the country, they now face extinction due to habitat loss, persecution, and interbreeding with domestic cats. Every single kitten matters, and Tay’s birth is a milestone made possible through the generous support of People’s Postcode Lottery players.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been powering the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) mission for over a decade, with more than £5 million raised for the wildlife conservation charity and an astonishing £1.5 billion donated to charities worldwide. Through the Postcode Planet Trust, this support reaches far beyond Scotland – protecting wildlife in East Africa’s forests, Brazil’s wetlands, and inspiring people closer to home through Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo.

RZSS also leads the Saving Wildcats partnership, based at Highland Wildlife Park. Since 2023, this pioneering breeding-for-release programme has already returned more than 35 wildcats to the wild, and last year marked another major achievement – the first kittens born to released females in the Cairngorms National Park. Tay’s arrival builds on this momentum, bringing fresh hope for the future of the species.

Vicky Jennings, senior keeper at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “Every wildcat kitten matters, and Tay has already become a favourite here at the park. They might be small, but Tay represents something much bigger and is a great ambassador for the species. Wildcats are a vital part of our natural and cultural heritage, and without urgent action we could lose them forever. Thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, our charity’s dedicated teams can continue their critical work to secure a future for this iconic species.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “It’s fantastic to see players’ support making a real difference for wildcats in Scotland. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our players, who are helping protect wildlife both here at home and across the globe. We’re thrilled to welcome Tay to the world – and with a name like that, they’re bound to be a star.”

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