Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park have announced a permanent discount for those on Universal Credit and other benefits.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) previously launched a temporary discount over the summer for those receiving the payment. According to the organisation, it sold more than 23,000 tickets to the attractions as a result.
Now, the RZSS has revealed that it will be offering the discount permanently to those in receipt of benefits. The wildlife conservation charity hopes the move will allow more people to experience Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple commented: “Access to green spaces can have enormous physical health and wellbeing benefits. It is wonderful that over 23,000 people have already visited Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park through our discounted tickets for anyone in receipt of universal credit.
“Many people have told us that they would not have been able to visit without this offer because of the cost-of-living crisis. The stories we have heard about children and even adults visiting for the first time have been incredibly touching, with one mum leaving Edinburgh Zoo in tears because her daughter had such a special day.
“It is also very encouraging that most of the visitors who responded to our survey said coming to our parks has inspired them to find out more about animals and nature. We are proud to introduce this offer permanently following such huge interest this summer which will make our natural world more inclusive and accessible.”
Discounted entry to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park is available for anyone in receipt of universal credit, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), housing benefit, working tax credit, child tax credit and income support. Tickets are priced at £7 per person, which marks a discount of 70 per cent for adults and 55 per cent for children.
More information can be found on the RZSS website.
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