Almond Valley has recorded its busiest July on record, as almost 24,000 people paid a visit last month.
The visitor attraction in Livingston reported a 12% increase in attendance compared to the same period last year.
The rise in numbers was driven by families seeking affordable activities and the popularity of a resident football-predicting donkey.
The Mediterranean donkey, named Poncho McTominay, gained local attention for his score predictions during this year’s World Cup.
The 23-acre site is Scotland’s only accredited rare breed farm and houses around 130 animals.
It features tractor rides, play areas, and a museum detailing the region’s shale oil history.
Staff report that an alpaca named Pebbles is also drawing attention due to her distinctive patches and occasional tendency to spit.
The charity began as a community campaign to save a historic mill and now receives more than 145,000 visitors annually.
Entry starts at £11.50 for children aged two to 15, keeping costs under £50 for a family of four.
Jen Howard-Coombes, Director at Almond Valley, said: “We’ve seen more families come through the doors over summer – and what’s been lovely is seeing them not only respond to one event, but to the whole Almond Valley experience.”
She added: “We know a lot of families are struggling right now, and budgeting can be a pressure, so we’ve worked really hard to keep Almond Valley as affordable as possible.
“A day out shouldn’t be out of reach, and every ticket goes straight back into caring for the animals and the site. This place belongs to the community as much as it does to us.”
The attraction employs around 50 staff, volunteers and craftspeople.
Jen said: “Our biggest asset is our people. There are people of all ages and backgrounds for whom Almond Valley really matters – for some it’s a family day out, for others it’s become somewhere they feel at home.
“The site will never feel overly polished or corporate, and that’s by design – it has a lot of heart, and we’ve grown around its history and the people who’ve given their time and skills to it.”
