If you’ve ever wanted to see real Scottish wildcats—not your average moggie, but the proper wild kind—there’s now a place in England where you can. And no, it’s not a nature reserve in the Highlands or some far-flung corner of the country.
It’s actually just outside York, at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. The park’s just welcomed three new residents, and let’s just say—they’ve got stripes, sass, and serious conservation star power.
Why this matters—and who should care
Wildcats might sound like something out of a Disney film, but these ones are very real and very endangered. In fact, the Scottish wildcat is now one of the UK’s rarest mammals. If you’re someone who cares about the environment, loves animals, or even just enjoys a good day out with the kids, this is something to get excited about. The arrival of Fruin and her kittens isn’t just a cute photo op—it’s a proper bit of wildlife history happening right here in Yorkshire.
Meet Fruin, Mog and Morangie
These three Scottish wildcats—Fruin and her two kittens, Mog and Morangie—came down from the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland and moved into a brand new space called the Natives section at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park. And yes, they’ve settled in like true northerners.
Fruin isn’t just any cat—she’s a bit of a legend in the conservation world. She’s known for being one of the most successful breeding females in the UK, with loads of her kittens being reintroduced into the wild up in Scotland. Now she’s helping the next generation of conservationists by hanging out in York and giving students hands-on experience with a real-life apex predator.
What’s so special about these cats?
Well, for starters, these aren’t your average tabby cats. Scottish wildcats look a bit like chunky, angry versions of domestic cats, but they’re wild through and through. They were once found all across the UK, but now? You’ll only find them in tiny pockets of the Scottish Highlands—if you’re lucky.
The big reason they’re in trouble is because of things like habitat loss and interbreeding with domestic cats. It’s a bit like trying to keep a rare type of apple tree going in an orchard full of regular apples—it’s tricky, and once they cross, you can’t go back.
Here’s why this matters:
- Only a handful of true Scottish wildcats are left in the wild
- They’re classed as critically endangered in the UK
- Breeding and education projects like this one are key to saving them
- Most people in England will never get to see one—until now
A win for students and visitors
According to Instructor Keeper Ryan Colman, the wildcats are already helping students learn vital skills. He said:
“It’s an honour to welcome Fruin and her two kittens, Mog and Morangie from Highland Wildlife Park, with Fruin being one of the most successful breeding wildcats in the country… These cats will give the students an opportunity to work not only with an apex predator but with a threatened species that is in desperate need of help from the British public.”
Basically, it’s not just about having a cool animal on display—it’s about teaching young people to care, study, and hopefully save these rare creatures.
Students at Askham Bryan College, which runs the park, get to train and work directly with the animals. That means future conservationists are learning their craft with real, endangered animals—pretty amazing, really.
When can you see them?
The park is open on weekends and school holidays, which makes it perfect for family outings or even a bit of solo nature time. Whether you’re a wildlife geek or just fancy a day out with the kids that doesn’t involve soft play and fizzy pop, this might be your next weekend sorted.
Oh—and the park isn’t just wildcats. It’s home to over 100 species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and even fish. Lots of them are rare or under threat too. So, you’re not just having fun—you’re helping keep these animals in the public eye and on the conservation map.
A little more about Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
If you haven’t heard of it, here’s the quick lowdown:
- It opened to the public in 2017
- Welcomes around 20,000 visitors a year
- Works with schools, young people and local groups
- Home to loads of endangered species
- Part of BIAZA—which means they meet proper standards for animal welfare and education
It’s also right next to Askham Bryan College, a specialist land-based college that teaches everything from animal science and veterinary nursing to farming and motorsport (yes, really). There are around 3,850 students learning there across several campuses in the North of England.
Quick info if you’re planning a visit
- Location: Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park, near York
- Open: Weekends and school holidays
- Website: www.abcwildlifepark.co.uk
- Socials: @abcwildlifepark
- You can also follow @AskhamBryanCollege for college updates
So if you’re anywhere near York and fancy a day out with a bit of bite (pun totally intended), go meet Fruin, Mog and Morangie. Just don’t try to cuddle them—they’re not that kind of cat.
