Five Sisters Zoo

About this place

Wildlife park with rescued animals including lions, bears and monkeys located in West Calder.

Unlike many conventional zoos, Five Sisters in West Calder is built around rescue and rehabilitation, with many of its lions, tigers, bears and monkeys having previously lived in circuses or substandard zoos elsewhere before being rehomed here. That backstory gives the visit a slightly different, more purposeful feel, and information boards around the enclosures often explain individual animals' histories rather than just species facts. Play areas and a cafe are dotted around the site for breaks between enclosures. There's an admission charge, parking on site, and most of the grounds are accessible, though it does involve a fair amount of outdoor walking.

Make a day of it — within 5km