The best animal parks and aquariums Scotland

Opened in 1913, this 33-hectare zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from 170 different species. Its two giant pandas, the only ones in Britain, arrived from China at the end of 2011: Tian Tian ("Honey"), the female, and Yang Guang ("Sunlight"), the male, are its main attraction. Koalas are also very popular, and there are many other fascinating specimens such as chimpanzees, penguins, Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, zebras, rhinos and many others.

The Scottish Deer Centre park covers 55 hectares and invites you to discover Scotland's (and the world's) iconic wildlife in a privileged environment. Twelve species of deer are housed here, as well as a pack of wolves, otters, foxes, red squirrels and Scotland's famous wildcat. Guided tours are offered with a park ranger, as well as a "nose to nose" encounter with a deer, falconry demonstrations... You will also be able to watch the otters eat. And for yours? A small café is there for that.

More than 35 birds of all sizes live on the shores of Loch Lomond at the Bird of Prey Centre. Owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards and kestrels can be seen up close and personal in their daily lives. Several species are quite rare and some activities can be reserved in advance. A must for all lovers of our winged friends. Be careful, the openings can depend on the weather conditions.

No need to go all the way to Scandinavia to get close to the reindeer! The ticket for the visitor centre includes the exhibition and the approach of a few deer in the enclosure, but you will have to follow one of the daily visits to venture out to meet the herds on the hills. If we forget everything once we are with the reindeer, busy feeding them, we still have to take into account that the "hill trip" is done in large groups (sometimes 80 people) and that you have to be in the queue as soon as the centre opens to get your place.

The famous aquarium chain has an attraction as far as Loch Lomond, with this marine sanctuary of some 1,500 aquatic animals. Through seven themed zones, you can encounter turtles, sharks, octopuses, rays, seahorses, colourful fish and many more. You can also see otters and stroke starfish. It is even possible, upon reservation, to feed the sharks, or to spend a night in the aquarium.