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A keeper hand-feeding the red deer herd on the hillside at Auchingarrich — care at the heart of the charity

About Perthshire Zoo

From a hill farm to a zoo with a mission

Auchingarrich began life as a quiet hill farm, grew into a much-loved sanctuary, and today is Perthshire Zoo — a conservation charity on the same beloved hillside.

Support our mission Read our story
  • 1993 The haven begins
  • 0+ species In our care
  • SC053939 Registered Scottish charity
  • 0% Of donations to the mission
A meerkat standing tall, watching you — the curiosity our mission is built to spark

Our Mission

Together, we can create a future where wildlife thrives — and where every generation grows up inspired to protect the world we share.

We believe that when people experience wildlife up close, they develop a deeper understanding of the challenges animals face — and a stronger desire to protect them. Through hands-on learning, engaging experiences, and compassionate care, we aim to spark curiosity, nurture empathy, and empower every visitor to play a part in safeguarding the planet.

Our Story

From Auchingarrich to Perthshire Zoo

Our story is one of care, passion, and a deep belief that together we can protect the world’s most vulnerable animals.

  1. The beginning

    A quiet hill farm

    Auchingarrich begins life as a quiet hill farm in the Perthshire countryside — open ground, big skies, and the Munro Ben Chonzie on the horizon.

    Red deer in the long grass at the forest edge — the open ground of the old hill farm

  2. 1993

    A haven for animals

    Nigel Carter transforms the farm into a unique haven, caring for a number of exotic species and laying the foundations for what the site would one day become.

    Flamingos at Perthshire Zoo — exotic species on a Perthshire hillside

  3. The sanctuary years

    A much-loved petting farm

    Under new owners, Auchingarrich grows into a small petting farm and sanctuary — a place where families meet animals, enjoy the countryside, and experience the joy of wildlife up close.

    Young goats at the farm

  1. A deeper purpose

    Custodians of endangered species

    When we took on Auchingarrich, our love for animals went far beyond simply caring for them. As custodians to several endangered species, we realised we had an opportunity — and a responsibility — to do more.

    A critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur

  2. The charity is born

    Perthshire Zoo

    With the support and guidance of a group of dedicated Trustees, we formed Perthshire Zoo — a charity committed to conservation, education, and exceptional animal care, rooted in purpose and integrity.

    A red squirrel in our care — Scotland’s first Red Squirrel Hospital is the charity at work

  3. Today

    The next generation begins here

    Perthshire Zoo is a small, welcoming, conservation-focused space where endangered species are protected, families are inspired, and the next generation of conservationists begins their journey.

    A Scottish wildcat — the flagship of our conservation work

How we operate as a charity

Transparency you can trust

Perthshire Zoo is a registered Scottish charity, and that shapes everything we do. We operate with transparency, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility to our supporters, our animals, and our community.

OSCR

Registered Scottish charity · SC053939

Licensed

Full zoo licence · regularly inspected for welfare, safety and conservation

Annual

Accounts and charity reports submitted to OSCR every year

Our voluntary Board of Trustees oversees

  • Long-term planning and strategy
  • Financial stewardship
  • Animal welfare and ethical standards
  • Conservation priorities
  • Transparency and public accountability

Our commitment to openness

  • Publishing clear financial information
  • Sharing updates on conservation impact
  • Reporting openly on achievements and challenges
  • Every decision made in the best interests of the animals and our mission

The rebrand, answered

What happened to Auchingarrich?

What happened to Auchingarrich Wildlife Park?

Auchingarrich Wildlife Park Ltd is now Perthshire Zoo Ltd. We are still the same much-loved site, with the same animals, team and beautiful setting — but we now operate as a registered charity with a stronger focus on conservation, education and protecting endangered species. Auchingarrich is also the name of the wider location, which is home to several different businesses, and operating as “Auchingarrich Wildlife Park Ltd” often caused confusion between the site as a whole and the zoo itself. You’ll still find us right here at Auchingarrich — just with a new name and an even stronger purpose.

Are you still open to the public?

Yes — we are open as normal. You can visit the zoo, enjoy the animals, explore the play areas, and experience everything you loved before, with new conservation projects now underway.

Why did you change the name?

The new name reflects our mission as a charity zoo focused on wildlife conservation, endangered species and education. It also helps us build stronger partnerships and raise awareness for the species we protect.

Are you a licensed zoo?

Yes — Perthshire Zoo operates under a full zoo licence and is regularly inspected to ensure high standards of welfare, safety and conservation.

Where can I find your annual reports?

As a registered Scottish charity, we publish our full financial accounts and charity reports to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Our annual reports, charity information and transparency documents will be available on this site, and our OSCR listing is public under charity number SC053939.

Our mission needs you

Be part of what we’re building

Every visit, donation, membership and adoption helps us care for endangered species, improve habitats, and inspire the generation who will protect wildlife next.

Support our mission Meet the species we protect