Universal credit discounts to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park now permanent after huge interest

Universal credit discounts to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park have been introduced permanently by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) after selling more than 23,000 tickets.

The wildlife conservation charity launched the offer over the summer to enable more people to experience the benefits of being close to nature.

Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said, “Access to green spaces can have enormous physical health and wellbeing benefits.

“It is wonderful that over 23,000 people have already visited Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park through our discounted tickets for anyone in receipt of universal credit.

“Many people have told us that they would not have been able to visit without this offer because of the cost-of-living crisis. The stories we have heard about children and even adults visiting for the first time have been incredibly touching, with one mum leaving Edinburgh Zoo in tears because her daughter had such a special day.

“It is also very encouraging that most of the visitors who responded to our survey said coming to our parks has inspired them to find out more about animals and nature.

“We are proud to introduce this offer permanently following such huge interest this summer which will make our natural world more inclusive and accessible.”

Discounted entry to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park is available for anyone in receipt of universal credit, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA), housing benefit, working tax credit, child tax credit and income support.  Tickets are £7 per person – a discount of 70% for adults and 55% for children.