The Giant Panda Experience at Edinburgh Zoo offers a unique opportunity to see the only giant pandas in the UK. You'll learn about the conservation work the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is doing to protect this endangered species. The pandas, Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), are housed in a state-of-the-art enclosure that replicates their natural habitat. The informative signage and interactive displays provide a wealth of information about the pandas' natural behavior, diet, and the challenges they face in the wild. The viewing areas are designed to give visitors an unobstructed view of the pandas as they munch on bamboo, climb, or play. This experience not only educates visitors about these magnificent creatures but also illustrates the importance of international conservation efforts.
Penguins Rock at Edinburgh Zoo is home to a delightful colony of penguins, including Gentoo, King, and Rockhopper penguins. Visitors can watch the penguins dip and dive in their large pool through underwater viewing windows, which provides a fantastic close-up look at their swimming abilities. The daily penguin parade is a highlight, where some of the zoo's most enthusiastic residents waddle along a designated route, often delighting children and adults alike. The exhibit is designed to mimic the penguins' natural environment, complete with rocks and nesting areas. Interpretative signs offer insights into the lives of these charismatic birds, their breeding behaviors, and the conservation issues they face in the wild. Watching the penguins interact with each other and their keepers is a joy that should not be missed during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo.
Living Links is a research-focused exhibit at Edinburgh Zoo that provides a window into the world of primates and their complex social behaviors. It hosts a mix of capuchin and squirrel monkeys, which are observed by scientists to study their cognitive abilities and social interactions. Visitors can watch the primates as they navigate their enriched environment, use tools, and engage with one another. The center is a collaboration with the University of St Andrews, and the research aims to provide insights into the evolutionary roots of human behavior. For zoo guests, Living Links offers an educational and engaging look at primate behavior, with opportunities to witness feeding times and enrichment activities designed to stimulate the monkeys' physical and mental health. Signage and interactive displays make this a highly informative visit, perfect for those with a keen interest in science and animal behavior.
The Budongo Trail at Edinburgh Zoo is a world-class exhibit for the zoo's group of chimpanzees. Visitors can view these intelligent primates in both an indoor enclosure with large viewing windows and an outdoor area with climbing frames. The lush, forest-like environment allows the chimps to exhibit natural behaviors, such as climbing, foraging, and socializing. The exhibit also has interactive elements and educational displays that explain the conservation work undertaken by the zoo, including their efforts to protect chimpanzee habitats in the wild. The Budongo Trail provides a fascinating look into the lives of one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, showcasing their complex social structures and the threats they face in the wild.
Rhino Ridge offers visitors the chance to see one of Africa's most iconic species, the rhinoceros. This habitat is designed to replicate the grassland and savanna ecosystem where these majestic animals roam in the wild. At Edinburgh Zoo, guests can watch the rhinos as they graze, bathe in their mud wallow, or rest in the sun. Educative talks by the zookeepers provide insights into the rhinos' behavior, dietary needs, and the conservation challenges they face, such as poaching and habitat loss. The zoo also contributes to rhinoceros conservation efforts through breeding programs and support for projects in the wild. A visit to Rhino Ridge allows for an up-close encounter with these impressive creatures while highlighting the critical need to protect them for future generations.
The Brilliant Birds exhibit at Edinburgh Zoo showcases a diverse collection of avian species from around the world. This immersive environment allows visitors to walk through and observe the birds in habitats that closely replicate their natural surroundings. The exhibit features a range of birdlife, from the colorful plumage of the lorikeets to the majestic flight of the birds of prey. Interactive feeding sessions are a highlight, offering guests the chance to feed some of the birds by hand, which is a memorable experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Educational boards provide information on each species, their habitats, and the conservation issues they face, underlining the zoo's commitment to education and conservation of avian wildlife.
Wee Beasties at Edinburgh Zoo is a delightful exhibit focusing on invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles, offering a glimpse into the often overlooked world of smaller creatures. The exhibit features a variety of fascinating species, including colorful dart frogs, stick insects, and tarantulas. Educational talks and interactive displays help visitors to learn more about the vital roles these 'wee beasties' play in our ecosystems, from pollination to pest control. The exhibit also highlights the conservation efforts needed to protect these important animals, many of which are under threat in their natural habitats. For those interested in the smaller, but no less significant, wildlife, Wee Beasties provides an eye-opening experience that can change the way we perceive the natural world.
The Sun Bears enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo is a special habitat created for the smallest and least known of all bear species. In this sanctuary, visitors can watch the resident sun bears explore their environment, which includes climbing structures, pools, and naturalistic planting. The exhibit offers an insight into the lives of these bears, which are native to the tropical forest habitats of Southeast Asia. Educational signs around the exhibit inform visitors about the bears' behaviors, diet, and the challenges they encounter in the wild, such as habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade. The Sun Bears enclosure not only provides a safe haven for these bears but also serves as an education and conservation hub to raise awareness and inspire action to protect this vulnerable species.
Meerkat Plaza is a lively exhibit at Edinburgh Zoo that gives visitors a chance to observe the charismatic meerkats as they stand guard, forage, and play. The enclosure simulates a desert environment, complete with sandy terrain and rocks, allowing the meerkats to demonstrate their natural burrowing and lookout behaviors. Glass viewing areas offer an up-close and personal view, particularly appealing to younger visitors. The zoo provides educational talks where keepers share fascinating facts about these social creatures and their roles within the mob. Watching the meerkats interact with one another is not only entertaining but is also an educational experience revealing the complex social structure and survival strategies of these small but mighty animals.
The Magic Forest at Edinburgh Zoo is an immersive exhibit that provides a home for a number of arboreal and forest-dwelling species. Visitors walking through this shaded and verdant environment will encounter various small mammals and birds, each adapted to life among the trees. The exhibit emphasizes the importance of forests as rich ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and are crucial to the health of our planet. Educational materials throughout the exhibit offer insights into forest conservation and the complex interdependent relationships between forest species. Guests can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and learn about the natural behaviors of the inhabitants as they explore this enchanting corner of the zoo.
Beaches (1)
Historical Places (38)
Museums (32)
Zoos (1)
Gardens (6)
