After hours animal magic to be revealed to Highland Wildlife Park visitors in special July initiative by Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
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AN opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of the Highland Wildlife Park after closing time is being offered on Friday evenings next month.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced the first ever After Hours event at visitor attraction near Kincraig.
Staff at the wildlife conservation charity are inviting visitors to take a wander through the park in the evening from 6.30pm - 9.30pm and see what the snow leopards, newborn elk twins and the UK’s only polar bears get up to after closing time.
Visitors can drive through the reserve enjoying the Cairngorms backdrop at dusk, relax to the sound of traditional music acts, follow a new digital trail and enjoy a range of local food and drink.
Daska Mackintosh, head of operations at Highland Wildlife Park said: “We are excited to be bringing this first event of its kind to Highland Wildlife Park. After Hours gives visitors a unique chance to roam the park in the summer evenings and see our amazing animals after we usually close.
“It has been a challenging year for our charity, with limits on visitor numbers thought to remain during the vital summer months. These events allow us to welcome more visitors to see the wonderful species here at the park while also raising much needed funds to help care for our animals and support our conservation efforts around the world.”
Jonathan Brown, events and experiences manager at RZSS said, “It is great to be bringing After Hours to Highland Wildlife Park for the first time, after the success of the events at Edinburgh Zoo over the years.
“These events are planned in conjunction with our animal experts and our keepers are very careful to monitor our animals' behaviour, making sure they receive, as always, the best care.
“Our daytime health and safety measures will remain in place, including extra toilets, social distancing and extra hand-washing stations to protect our visitors and staff. All guests need to do is buy a ticket and enjoy the evening.
“We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and we look forward to giving visitors a sneak peek into what life is like at Highland Wildlife Park after hours.”
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children. There is an evening free to members on 9 July, which is also open to the general public, discounts apply for RZSS membership holders thereafter. To find out more visit https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/afterhours.
Highland Wildlife Park After Hours will run on 9, 16, 23 and 30 July between 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Local food and drink will be available on these evenings with traditional music.
The park’s new Amur tiger cubs will not yet be on show to the public for these events.
