Animal lovers unable to visit the Highland Wildlife Park during lockdown are digging deep to maintain the facility and its residents.
The park receives no government funding and relies on visitors and members to meet the £6,000 needed each month to pay the animals’ food bill.
An appeal launched by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which runs the park and Edinburgh Zoo, says an “amazing” response since closing means a shopping list which includes fresh fruit and veg, salmon and meat has been covered.
Animal collection manager Keith Gilchrist said: “Thankfully we have had amazing support from people. We raised enough money, both at the park and Edinburgh Zoo, for the whole of April and so far in May and that drive continues. We are really grateful to members, supporters and others who have donated at this difficult time.”
The park currently has 11 keepers working to strict guidelines looking after the collection of animals, which has increased recently with new arrivals – with more expected soon.
Among the newcomers are two Mishmi takin calves, named Mountain and Drogo, after characters from Game of Thrones. A newly-hatched Eurasian crane chick – only the second to be born at the park – has yet to be named.
It is hoped that soon there will be more European bison calves, as the herd plays an important role in supporting reintroduction efforts in mainland Europe, as well as new Przewalski’s horse foals.
Mr Gilchrist said, visitors apart, life at the park is continuing almost as normal: “It was quite eerie to begin with, there was certainly a feeling of emptiness in the first few days not having visitors.
“But the keepers are so adaptable they just get on with looking after these incredible animals. It’s all become quite normal now.
“For the most part, life is the same for the animals, although they do seem a bit more attentive towards the keepers.”
He is unsure when the park will open to the public again: “It would be really nice to open, but we have to play our part in defeating the virus.
“I don’t know what it will be like when we do open, but I don’t expect all the restrictions to be lifted at once. However, the staff are a good reflection on the park and its adaptability, so we will do what we can do.”
