Wildlife Wonderland
You’ll be smiling with joy all day long at this firm family-favourite
IT is always a huge bonus when a kid-friendly attraction is just as entertaining for parents, and Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is one such place. Combining everything that a child could possibly want – plus beautiful scenery, great staff and a fantastic café and shop, it is a guaranteed hit for the entire family.
The park has been owned by the Scott family for the past 11 years and they bought the centre when it came up for sale having visited it previously with their own children. Over the past decade the park has been constantly updated and expanded to offer its visitors more and more. Andrew Scott runs the park and has been raring to get back in business following lockdown.
“All the animals and Auchingarrich family can’t wait to welcome back old and new visitors,” he says. “We have so much to offer for the whole family, from animal talks to amazing play areas. It will be brilliant to see the place bustling with customers again!”
The park is home to more than 40 species, from lambs to lemurs, and they offer the unique chance to get up close with the wildlife.
The handling and hatching barn is always a hive of activity, and depending on the season, there is always a menagerie of adorable creatures to pet, gaze at and learn about.
Watch closely at the incubator for a chance to see a tiny duckling beak crack through its shell, cuddle up with one of the resident rabbits or feed a tortoise its afternoon snack. Devoted keepers Maxine and Shona are on hand to answer any questions from inquisitive, aspiring young zoologists. Definitely check you’re in time to join the feeding sessions before your visit as there aren’t many activities as joyful as bottle-feeding a lamb!
Auchingarrich’s menagerie expands far beyond the fauna of Scotland. A walk around the centre will introduce you to a variety of exotic animals, some of which you may never even have heard of.
The most curious park resident is the nasua. From a very uneducated zoological eye it looks rather like an unlikely coupling of a raccoon and an anteater – quite the sight to behold and one you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in Scotland!
The rough and tumble, mud and mess of farm life has always piqued kids’ interest and at Auchingarrich there is plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty. Clover the
– plastic – milking cow is on hand to practice your milking technique, a messy and fun activity that also provides a great lesson for younger visitors about where the milk comes from for their morning cereal.
Cementing its position as every child’s dream day out, Auchingarrich offers an amazing number of play areas. The outdoor play park, complete with a huge flying fox and it’s very own giant rabbit warren, will keep kids entertained for hours.
Not that rain is something that can stand between an eager child and a play park, but Auchingarrich has you covered even on the greyest day. Their huge indoor play barn is ideal for younger children – getting them away at the end of the day might be the hard part!
For those seeking something a little calmer and away from the bustle of the play park, there are plenty of other things to do. Pony rides for all ages are available with the adorable Shetland ponies on call for the smallest visitors. Auchingarrich’s fly fishing pond is an ideal spot for a bit of relaxation, whether you are a seasoned angler or first-time fisher.
Beautiful walking paths are marked out, leading you past the otter, red and fallow deer enclosures and up the hill to enjoy beautiful views of the little town of Comrie and the landscape of the southern Highlands. Finally, if the entire family isn’t already exhausted, you can have a quick nine-hole round of mini golf. Auchingarrich is the epitome of family friendly. If you are visiting Perthshire with kids in tow then it is the perfect spot to keep them happy for an afternoon. The play parks are fantastic and there are so many fun activities, but Auchingarrich is really made by the wonderful staff and the care they give to the animals.
The love and attention of the keepers is reflected in the quality of the experience visitors can expect. The opportunity to teach young visitors about wildlife from Scotland and far beyond is an unmissable one, especially with the guarantee that they will have great fun while doing so.