Wild Reindeer in Scotland

Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

How do I know it’s ethical?

There’s only one wild herd of reindeer in Scotland and it’s the Cairngorms herd. This herd is 150 reindeer strong and split between Cairngorms National Park and Glenlivet to help facilitate breeding. They are taken care of by local staff and veterinarians.

Description of the Experience

You arrive at the Reindeer Centre to get your tickets and learn about the reindeer. You can also ‘adopt’ a reindeer, purchase items made of antlers that have naturally fallen off, or other souvenirs.

After check-in, there’s a 30-minute walk through hilly and wet terrain, so be sure to wear waterproof shoes. On the way, enjoy the natural landscape of Scotland while your guides tell you about the herd.

Once you get to a field, if the reindeer aren’t nearby, the guide will call out to them. In time, they start making their way across the countryside – they know where the easy food is. The reindeer are curious and timid. The tour includes their favorite snacks and healthy food so they warm up to the group in time.

Tours are limited so the reindeer don’t become dependent on humans or overfed.

Company/ Cost

Adults are £14 ($20), Children £8 ($11)

If you don’t want to do the hike to the herd, there are a few reindeer near the Reindeer Centre that you can do a meet and greet for £3.50 ($4) each.

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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.

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