Wildlife Visitor Centres

Experience the stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. From the tranquil Winter Gardens to the dynamic North Sea coastline, the area offers countless opportunities to connect with nature. Visitors can watch playful dolphins leaping in the waves, seals basking on the shore, or explore the rich variety of flora and fauna that thrive in Aberdeen’s parks, gardens, and coastal habitats.

Aberdeen has a rich history of celebrating wildlife. The city once hosted a zoo in Hazlehead Park, opened in 1966 by renowned zoologist Peter Scott, founder of the World Wildlife Fund and son of Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott. The zoo engaged local schools and the community through events, newsletters, and clubs for young nature enthusiasts, leaving a lasting legacy despite its closure in 1977.

Today, nature lovers can enjoy seasonal and regular wildlife events, including bat walks with forest rangers, rock pool explorations, birdwatching sessions, and marine wildlife tours. Festivals such as the Wild Seasons Festivals in Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders Nature Festival, and the Orkney Nature Festival celebrate the diversity of Scotland’s natural world. Whether observing a white-tailed sea eagle soaring high above or sailing alongside curious dolphins, Aberdeen and its surrounding regions offer unforgettable encounters with the wild.

Minizoo

minizoo

Animal Man’s Mini Zoo provide children’s parties and animal handling experiences and was started back in 2003, and now after all these years has successfully grown and expanded throughout Scotland. It is a family run business, and has a great team of animal handlers and children’s entertainers all helping out and providing unforgettable birthday parties.

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Huntly Falconry

Huntly Falconry

Huntly Falconry Centre is located just outside the village of Huntly in Aberdeenshire. The Falconry Centre was established in 1991 and is proud to be one of the first falconry centres of its kind in Scotland. Today, Huntly Falconry Centre enjoys a reputation that only others can aspire to. Huntly Falconry flies birds of prey at the Centre every day throughout the season and externally at events and shows in Scotland and England.

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~Things to do in Aberdeen, Activities and Family Activities~