'Locking Highland Wildlife Park gates was tough decision'

The boss of the Highland Wildlife Park said it had been an incredibly tough decision to make to close the gates once again.

David Field, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland chief executive, said it was all the more challenging having seen the joy visits to the attraction by Kincraig had provided during the pandemic.

Mr Field told the Strathy: "After Monday’s government announcements, we took the very difficult decision to close our gates at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park until further notice.

"We know so many of our visitors loved being able to visit our parks and enjoy our outdoor spaces and amazing animals in recent months which has made this decision even harder.

"The support we have received has been incredible and every visit, membership and purchase in our shops and cafés has helped to care for our animals and protect species around the world from extinction.

"Together with existing travel restrictions, the new rules on outdoor gatherings and legal requirements to stay at home wherever possible would have reduced our visitor numbers to the point where we could not remain open.

"Our dedicated keepers and vets will continue giving our animals the very best of care."

The public can help feed the animals at Highland Wildlife Park by making donations here

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