Five Sisters Zoo

This was the first time my partner and I had visited this zoo, having been to Edinburgh zoo many times. Overall, we thought it was a good zoo, although it had positives and negatives. The overwhelming amount of dated decorations (especially Christmas decorations) in May was a bit tacky looking and creepy in places. The main entrance looked really odd still with giant Christmas decorations! The animals themselves looked like they had plenty of space (perhaps with the exception of some of the larger owls) and were well cared for. We managed to spot the majority of the animals we wanted to see, although some were in rather awkwardly located enclosures. For example it was a bit tricky trying to spot the Scottish Wildcats while worrying about rolling off down the steep slope they were on! The best animals we got to see were the prairie dogs (although a little difficult trying to see over the wall around their enclosure!), the lynx (which was looking very smug), the wildcats, fishing cat, new rescue bear, lions and arctic wolves. The zoo has a map on their website, but it wasn't particularly helpful as some of the animals weren't on it or were in different locations! It would have been helpful if the map had indicated where the steepest paths were - there was one warning, but nothing about any of the other paths. I was glad my partner was able to push me, since there was no way I could have self propelled around the majority of the slopes. Electric wheelchair users shouldn't have an issue though.

Thank goodness for satnav, not obvious to find. The main parking area would be very difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited walking mobility, due to being a gravely surface. We asked parking attendant if disabled parking, he pointed across the road. We parked outside the "restaurant" which had one disabled space we could see, and room for quite a few cars. Restaurant sounds grander than it is. Along the path is another shack that was the monkey cafe, at first glance it looks to only have steps in, but has a ramp to the right of that door. Its choices were really basic, and moving space very limited, but it filled a hole! The little monkeys in the small enclosure outside are entertaining whilst having lunch out, (on a nice enough day). We had a young lad keen to go see the animals, and headed for the entrance. A 4yr old, 1 adult wheelchair user, 2 adults (1 being my privately employed PA). I was really disappointed to find that they didn't offer complimentary 'assistants entry, or at very least significantly reduced. They stated there policy is only those with carers photo id, could be admitted, so with making my displeasure clear I paid the entrance fees. I have employed PA's for 20+ years, and this is not something I have heard of before. I suggested she meant my CEA card, but no, "official like in a nursing home id for the carer to show-with a photo". I totally understand they need to make money, but unfortunately I am really put off by this, as it doubles the cost for me to have a day out and join my friends. I can't go without an assistant. The terrain was ok for me, a bit bumpy at times, but manageable with my electric wheelchair. I have poor balance so I chose my paths quite carefully. I was encouraged into puddles by my young friend, as I am assured splashing is fun! The accessible loo I was in, was near the play park, it was also a baby change area. The highlight for me was seeing the rescued bears in the pond, and the monkeys, oh and the meerkats feeding. It was a good day out, not too big a place to go around, and had a play park for kids to have some fun..the £1 a go- karts were my little friends highlight. There was also an indoor play area, which we didn't use as it was a lovely day outside. I would like to go back, but would need to weigh it up against travel/entrance cost of something else.

On arrival I found Accessible parking on entering the zoo I found it very easy to get around in my powerchair there were some hills going up and down which was easy for me as I have a power chair maybe not so easy with pushing a manual chair.I also went to the cafe which was fairly accessible but quite tight to move around once inside .All in all I thourally enjoyed my visit here .