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Polar Bear Viewing - Females

Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, PH21 1NL

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance (Highland Wildlife Park)

  • For Highland Wildlife Park's Accessibility Statement please click here (new tab).
  • Please click here for information on opening times.
  • The following are available: zoo maps, sensory maps, accessibility maps, downloadable zoo maps, downloadable sensory maps and downloadable accessibility maps.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print and audio.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the visitor centre.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk .
  • The designated place of safety is located in the First Aid room near the accessible car park.
  • Sensory packs are available and include: accessible maps and sensory maps. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
  • Mobility Assistance.
    There are wheelchairs, pushchairs and electric mobility scooters available for free hire. These require a fully refundable deposit. Please enquire at the main entrance on arrival or at the visitor centre.
    Some areas of the park may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes and there is an updated mobility map available for visitors which can be downloaded below.
  • More information on the accessibility map for the park.
  • More information on the sensory map for the park.
  • Talks and Tours.
    There are a number of talks and tours which take place around the park, some private and some public. This includes days with translated talks/tours including BSL.
    Some talks are being translated into BSL which will be available onsite via QR code. Please enquire at the visitor centre.
  • Carers.
    Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price.
    Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as a National Disability Card, an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.

Getting to the Polar Bears - Female

  • The path to the female polar bear viewing area begins in the upper park area, near the Arctic Fox and upper path to the Tiger Walkway.
  • The path is approximately 320 metres long and has gravel surfaces along with wooden boardwalks and bridges.
  • The wooden surfaces may be slippery when wet.
  • There are long steep and slight gradients throughout the route.
  • The White Lipped Deer enclosure is located off the first wooden ramp, please refer to the separate guide for details.
  • There is a wooden 'polar bear den' along the route before the main boardwalk, which has a step in the doorway.
  • The step is 7cm high and the doorway is 76cm wide.

Animal Enclosures

  • This enclosure is indoor and outdoor.
  • The female polar bear enclosure is located in the upper park area.
  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this enclosure.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance/opening.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance/opening, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a steep slope over 150cm wide, with no handrails.
    • The slope has no level landing.
  • Animal Enclosure View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Information in this area includes the following formats: pictorial and information board.
    • The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
    • There was not a staff member in the enclosure at the time of the survey.
    • There are shows/talks in the enclosure, with no designated seating available for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a low level viewing area at 110cm high.
    • A one-way system operates in this area, but routes for wheelchair users may be different.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the walkways in this area.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate exit/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is ramped/sloped.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the exit, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a very steep slope over 150cm wide, with no handrails.
    • The slope has no resting area.