Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species.
A popular first stop is the Budongo Trail, the zoo’s vast chimpanzee facility. Observe chimps climbing, stretching and exercising in their outdoor enclosures and network of indoor rooms. Explore the similarities and differences between chimps and humans with interactive digital games and mock skeletons.
Among the most famous zoo residents are the two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. To view them in their enclosures you need to book in advance. Tickets are free, but places are limited. Groups are led through the viewing areas every 10 minutes.
Look up as exotic bird species fly overhead in the walkthrough aviary. The exhibit houses birds from all over the world. They include the critically endangered Bali starling and the Nicobar pigeon, the closest living relative of the dodo. Every afternoon there’s a talk about the zoo’s collection of birds.
Jump aboard the zebra trailer for the 30-minute Hilltop Safari. Starting at the duck pond, the tour takes about half an hour and travels past baboons, antelopes and big cats as the driver provides a running commentary.
Visit the Physics Garden where some of the medicinal plants have been planted in such a way that they resemble parts of the human body.
You can have preview glimpses or post-trip memories of your visit by viewing the live zoo-cams on the website. Year-round there are cameras focused on the pandas, penguins and squirrel monkeys. For some months of the year there is also a bird-box cam.
Located approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west of the city center, Edinburgh Zoo is easily reached. Four Lothian Bus routes stop outside the front entrance and limited paid parking is available.
Edinburgh Zoo is open daily but opening times vary throughout the year check the zoo website for times. The zoo is situated on a hillside and visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear.
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Reviews of Edinburgh Zoo
5/5 - Excellent
Great place for families.
3/5 - Okay
When I enquired about the animals, I was frequently told they almost never come out to be seen. The staff didn’t seem to think that might be an issue for guests. I am aware that this can be the case for any zoo and that the staff have little control over how the zoo is run. I also know it’s very important for the animals to come first. I think there could be some more compromise with the business/customer side and the welfare of the animals. For example, for the animals who stay inside their huts, a time-limited viewing that people are aware of when theh arrive. Or for the animals that only come out at certain times, a board at the entrance to show when those times might be daily (or an app/text updates). None of those things would guarantee any sightings, but it would make zoo guests (which are also customers of the zoo business) feel like the staff care at all about their experience. I should note that Angela seemed to care a lot and I really appreciated her commitment to her job and the guests. Also, be aware that the entire property is set on a steep hill.
5/5 - Excellent
Penguin walk is *outside* the penguin pen. Look to the red and yellow stripes on the walkway - be sure to be on the yellow side.
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