Final phase of Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre opens at Highland Wildlife Park

A new visitor centre has opened its doors to the public at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park.

The £1.6  million redevelopment includes a shop, café and accessible facilities, which the wildlife conservation charity says will help more people engage with nature.

It is the final phase of an £7.6 million investment in the park, with an interactive exhibition centre, a hilltop den and an events space for schools and communities having opened last year.

Ben Supple, the charity’s deputy chief executive, said, “Climate change and biodiversity loss mean nature needs us more than ever.

“Our new café and shop are fantastic additions to the park and features such as an accessible lift and a changing places toilet will help more people with additional needs to visit and engage with our natural world.”

The project has been made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund led by NatureScot, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

“With one in nine species at risk of extinction in Scotland, it is more important than ever to inspire and empower people and communities to protect nature,” said Supple.

“This is an exciting time for Highland Wildlife Park, with a new immersive exhibition centre, a hilltop den where we tell stories about how we work with partners to restore species such as the wildcat to the Scottish Highlands and classrooms to support STEM learning and engage communities.

“We are incredibly grateful for the funding we have received, which has also enabled us to start working with new community partners and reduce barriers to accessing nature including poverty, loneliness and disabilities.” 

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