Edinburgh Zoo, situated on the grassy slopes of Corstorphine Hill, is one of Scotland's most thrilling and educational attractions. The zoo, home to over 1,000 animals and 170 species, provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages by combining entertainment, conservation, and spectacular views of the city.
Whether you're a local or exploring Scotland's capital for the first time, Edinburgh Zoo is a must-visit destination. It's where adventure meets learning, and every moment brings you closer to the incredible wonders of the natural world.
Experience at the Edinburgh Zoo
Visiting the zoo had been on my list for a while, as it frequently appeared on my feed and in travel suggestions. Since we had some free time, I decided to finally add it to our itinerary. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side, as the day we went, it rained heavily on a Sunday. While there were plenty of activities, such as live talks and animal feedings, we spent most of the day taking shelter from the downpour.
The first animals we spotted were the playful meerkats, scurrying around their enclosure, while on the other side, vibrant pink flamingos caught our eye. During our visit, we also saw giraffes, rhinos, penguins, deer, and many more fascinating creatures. We even managed to catch a live demonstration with the Indian rhino, where the zoo staff fed him in front of the audience. Overall, it was a lovely afternoon out, just a shame the weather didn't cooperate.
After a couple of hours, we decided to give in to the rain and head back to the hotel. In that short time, we managed to walk through the entire zoo and saw everything marked on the map, but most of the animals were either tucked away in their shelters or absent due to the weather.
A Journey Around the World
The zoo's penguin colony is one of its most famous attractions. The Penguin Parade is not to be missed, as these charming birds waddle along the walkways, delighting visitors, a tradition that has been part of the zoo for decades. Even in the rain, the little penguins were utterly adorable, flapping excitedly and rushing toward the zookeeper as she carried a bucket full of fish.
Wildlife Presentations
With spacious walkways, play areas, and picnic spots, Edinburgh Zoo is ideal for a family day out. Children can learn about animals through interactive displays and talks, while adults enjoy the tranquil gardens and panoramic city views. The zoo also offers hourly sessions with different animals, giving visitors the chance to see them up close. During my visit, I attended the Indian rhino session, where the zookeeper shared fascinating insights about the animal, its habits, and favourite activities, while other staff fed it branches from the trees.
There's also a dinosaur area in the zoo. If you enjoy spotting them or taking photos, you'll find plenty of life-sized models scattered throughout the park.
Finally, if you need a break from all the exploring, you can relax at one of the zoo's cafes for a coffee or a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. There are several small cafes throughout the zoo, and a gift shop near the exit offers eco-friendly souvenirs that help support animal conservation.
Location: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Opening Hours: 10 am-5 pm
Tickets: £25 each (via Headout). Discounts can be found online
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other zoo adventures and experiences on my blog.
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