Easter adventures and year-round rewards at Highland Wildlife Park

Spring has arrived in the Highlands and with it comes a fresh burst of life at Highland Wildlife Park. As the days grow longer and the landscape begins to bloom, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit, especially with Easter just around the corner.

From exciting new arrivals to family-friendly trails and unique behind-the-scenes experiences, the park is brimming with reasons to explore. And for those of you who want to return again and again, a Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) membership offers a way to turn a great day out into a year-round adventure, while supporting wildlife conservation at the same time.

One of the most eagerly anticipated highlights this season is the opening of a brand-new red panda habitat. Visitors will be able to see Priya, who is soon arriving from Edinburgh Zoo, alongside a new male companion. Specially designed to reflect their natural behaviours, the new habitat offers a rare chance to see these Endangered animals up close while learning more about the threats they face in the wild.

Adding an imaginative twist to your visit this spring is the Bricktastic Beasts trail, making its Highland debut and exclusive to the park from 4 April. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter striking, life-size animal sculptures crafted entirely from toy bricks. From a towering 158kg gorilla to a mischievous Tasmanian devil, it’s an experience that is sure to delight children and adults alike. Best of all, it’s included with your entry! Just one of many reasons a single visit might not feel like enough this Spring.

For families with very young children, the park’s New Parent Socials offer something a little different. These relaxed, welcoming sessions give parents with babies under 18 months the chance to connect, unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Alongside one of our amazing team, you will learn about the animals at the park and the global conservation work led by our wildlife conservation charity, before settling in for refreshments and conversation. It’s a brilliant way to spend time outdoors while meeting others at a similar stage of life.

Meanwhile, older children can swap the role of visitor for zookeeper through the ever-popular Junior Highland Keeper experience. Designed for ages eight to 15, this hands-on activity brings them closer to the action - preparing food, helping care for habitats and feeding animals such as Mishmi takin, Bactrian camels and Japanese macaques. It’s an unforgettable experience that sparks curiosity and nurtures a deeper connection with wildlife.

And for those who prefer to capture the moment, our Nature Photography Workshops offer the perfect opportunity. Led by acclaimed wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell, these sessions combine expert tuition with access to some of the park’s most photogenic residents. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or refining your skills, it’s a chance to see the park from a whole new perspective.

With so much happening, it’s easy to see why many visitors choose to become members. Not only does membership offer unlimited visits throughout the year, perfect for watching the seasons change and animals grow, but it also provides excellent value for families, exclusive updates and the satisfaction of directly supporting vital conservation work both in Scotland and around the world.

If those April showers make an appearance, don’t let the weather dampen your plans – step inside Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre and discover an interactive exhibition and a hilltop den where you can learn about how we work with partners to restore species such as the wildcat to the Scottish Highlands.

So whether you’re planning a one-off Easter day out or looking for somewhere to return to time and time again, Highland Wildlife Park promises fresh discoveries with every visit. 

Jess Wise

Visitor Operations Manager 

Book your Easter adventure at the park