History
Historical narrative
Edinburgh Zoo, operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), is a beacon of conservation, education, and zoological innovation in the United Kingdom. Its journey from a visionary’s dream to a globally recognized institution reflects over a century of dedication to zoological excellence.
A Rich Tapestry of History, Conservation, and Remarkable Stories
The first Edinburgh Zoological Gardens, not only wasn’t located on Corstorphine Hill where the current zoo can be found, but didn’t last long either. It was located at Broughton Park and functional between 1840 and 1861. It was a pioneering but financially troubled venture. Founded by John Douglas and supported by influential nobles, it featured exotic animals like tigers, bears, and elephants, alongside entertainment such as promenade concerts. Financial struggles, mounting debts, and eventual over-commercialization led to its closure. Highlights included Murdoch the elephant and a blue whale skeleton. The Zoo’s decline reflected the challenges of combining education with entertainment in Victorian zoos. More on Edinburgh’s first zoo here. It took nearly fifty years before a visionary Edinburgh lawyer with a passion for zoology was inspired to give the city its zoological garden again, and to establish a zoological society in Scotland to operate Edinburgh’s Zoo.
Founding Vision and Beginnings
So, the roots of Edinburgh Zoo lie in the vision of Thomas Gillespie, the lawyer, who established the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS) in 1909, and becoming its first honorary secretary. Early objectives, as set out in its charter, were to foster zoological knowledge and advance public interest in animal life. Gillespie drew inspiration from Carl Hagenbeck’s revolutionary ‘open zoo’ concept in Hamburg, which replaced the restrictive cages of Victorian menageries with open enclosures separated by natural barriers like moats. This innovative design allowed animals to thrive in naturalistic surroundings while offering visitors a more engaging experience.
Gillespie’s determination garnered substantial support and funding, enabling the purchase of an 34-hectare estate with the typical Mansion House on Corstorphine Hill in 1913 for £17,000 with assistance from the Edinburgh City Council. This strategic location provided ample space to create a zoo that emphasized openness and animal welfare he was looking for. This site became the foundation of Edinburgh Zoo, which opened to the public on 22 July 1913. The early layout of the new zoo was influenced by social visionary and town planner Patrick Geddes along with his son-in-law, Frank Mears, creating an inviting and forward-thinking environment, taking into account Carl Hagenbeck’s concept. The first animal acquired for the Zoo was a gannet, and on 12 July 1913, a procession of animals arrived from the train station to the Zoo, with two camels dramatically bringing up the rear.
By the end of 1913, the Zoo was incorporated by Royal Charter, and in 1948, following a visit from HRH King George VI, it became the only zoo in the United Kingdom honoured with the prefix ‘Royal’ in its name.
Penguins: A Signature Legacy
Edinburgh Zoo’s enduring association with penguins began in January 1914, with the arrival of three king penguins from a Christian Salvesen whaling expedition. The Zoo marked a global milestone in 1919 by successfully hatching the first king penguin chick in captivity. This achievement solidified the Zoo’s reputation as a pioneer in penguin care and science. The Zoo’s logo prominently features a king penguin, celebrating this long-standing connection.
In 1951, an accidental event led to the creation of the famous Penguin Parade. When a gentoo penguin escaped its enclosure, the keeper decided to see where it would go, resulting in a spontaneous procession that continues voluntarily to this day, captivating visitors from around the world.(Read more on Edinburgh’s penguins)
Famous Residents and Stories
The Zoo has been home to many famous animals over the years, each with unique and captivating stories. Wojtek, the ‘Soldier Bear’, was a Syrian brown bear adopted by the 22nd Company of the Polish Army during World War II. Wojtek became an honorary soldier, even helping transport ammunition during the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944. After the war, he retired to Edinburgh Zoo, earning a place in history.
Another iconic resident is Sir Nils Olav, a king penguin and mascot of the Royal Norwegian Guard. Knighted in 2008 under the instruction of King Harald V of Norway, Sir Nils remains a proud symbol of the Zoo's unique legacy.
The Zoo has also provided sanctuary for rescued animals, including Mercedes the polar bear, who was saved from being euthanized in Canada for wandering into a local town. Other notable residents include white rhino Umfolozi, who gave birth to 12 calves, earning her the nickname ‘Floozie,’ and young chimpanzee Cindy, who arrived in 1966 – born October 1965 - and passed away mid December 2018.
December 2011 two giant pandas (Tian Tian and Yang Guang) arrived from China. This marked a milestone for Edinburgh Zoo, drawing international attention. Returning to China in December 2023, these iconic animals have been a highlight for visitors for over a decade, underscoring the Zoo’s ability to bring rare and charismatic species to the public. However, their presence also highlights a complex challenge faced by zoos worldwide: the high costs and limited biodiversity returns associated with maintaining giant pandas. Read more
Animal Escapades
The Zoo's history is peppered with amusing animal escapades. In 1916, a polar bear named Starboard escaped, exploring the penguin and otter pools before being chased back to his enclosure by buffaloes and bison. In 1924, three sea lions managed to escape, with two being discovered in the Water of Leith at Roseburn.
Evolution in Design and Animal Welfare
Edinburgh Zoo’s original layout followed modern ideas of enclosure design with its ‘open zoo’ concept. And the Zoo has remained at the forefront of modern enclosure design, continually updating its facilities. The institution continually evolves to prioritize the welfare of its animals, providing enclosures designed to simulate their natural habitats. Keepers employ ‘environmental enrichment’ strategies to encourage natural behaviours, such as climbing, foraging, and socializing. One notable innovation was the award-winning underwater penguin feeding device, crafted from a modified traffic cone, which earned the Zoo the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Innovation Award in 1999.
A relic from the past, the Chimps' Tea Party, was phased out in 1972. This anthropomorhic exhibition of young chimpanzees who were served food in a staged setting, started in 1933. While a popular attraction at the time, ethical considerations led to the end of the practice as attitudes toward animal welfare evolved.
In 1986 the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland acquired Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig. Highland Wildlife Park is now home to over 200 amazing animals including native Scottish species as well as rare and endangered animals from around the world.
Conservation, Education and Research Leadership
Conservation lies at the heart of Edinburgh Zoo’s mission. In recent years, the zoo has reinforced its commitment to conserving threatened species and habitats. Its mission, currently ‘to save wildlife and empower people in Scotland and around the world to protect, value and love nature’ showed little change over time and always guided its educational and conservation activities globally to promote the conservation of threatened species and habitats.
Education has always been a cornerstone of the zoo’s mission. RZSS aimed to inspire public interest in zoology and deepen understanding of the natural world. Over the decades, Edinburgh Zoo has earned an international reputation for educational outreach and has continually adapted its approach to reflect advances in animal welfare and conservation. The opening of the Education Centre in 1976 marked a significant step in promoting awareness of wildlife and environmental issues. Today, the Zoo’s award-winning education programme has reached over a million pupils through onsite and outreach initiatives.
The Zoo is also a hub for conservation research. The 2010 opening of the WildGenes Laboratory cemented its role in supporting global conservation efforts with state-of-the-art genetic analysis, aiding the fight to save species from extinction.
Looking Ahead
Well ahead of Edinburgh Zoo's centenary in 2013, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) launched a £72 million redevelopment project that would see the entire zoo revamped over a period of around 20 years. This step was taken to create, besides a world-class visitor attraction, a conservation centre of excellence. It should make the Zoo flexible in meeting changing conditions and conservation needs. Therefore, the Zoo premises would be designed around four major biomes: Oceans & Wetlands, Grasslands, Woodlands and Tropical Forests. It was foreseen that in each biome the visitor would be 'immersed' in the habitat, which would not only enhance their experience but also increase the understanding of the animals to be found there. To cope with the undulating landscape and sometimes rather steep footpaths the visitors would be able to travel around the Zoo on a continuous transport system, which would link all four biomes. Further to this, the building and exploitation of the new Zoo should be environmentally sustainable.
The first phase of the project was completed by the opening of the new state-of-the-art chimpanzee enclosure, Budongo Trail, in 2008. This supposed to be located in the Tropical Forest biome. However, according to the Zoo’s website in 2024, the idea of the biomes and much more haven’t got materialised yet at time of writing (November 2024).
As always, to realise such a big dream financial resources should be available, and land of course. Apparently, there have been some hiccups with both the funding and the availability of suitable land adjacent to the Zoo grounds, necessary to fulfil their plans.
While engaged in redeveloping Edinburgh Zoo, the RZSS also built the 2030 Strategy called ‘Now is the Time’ that implements RZSS’ vision and mission with measurable goals. By 2030 the RZSS pledge to reverse the decline of at least 50 species [conservation], to create stronger connections with nature for more than a million people [engagement], and to enable more than 100 communities to better protect nature [community]. See the full 2030 Strategy for context and background.
A Legacy of Wonder
Over the past century, Edinburgh Zoo has evolved in tandem with society’s understanding of animal welfare and conservation. From its pioneering early designs to its groundbreaking penguin programmes, innovative enrichment techniques, and educational programmes the zoo remains at the forefront of zoological innovation. Its rich history, embodied by figures like Gillespie, Sir Nils Olav, and Voytek, hopefully continues to inspire new generations to appreciate and protect the natural world.
(Source: Wonders never Cease by John Lloyd, published by The ABR Company Limited, 2006; website Edinburgh Zoo, accessed 2009; website Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, accessed 2024; Our Town Stories{Edinburgh}, accessed November 2024; website Threadinburgh, The thread about the travails of Edinburgh’s first Zoo and an Elephant called Murdoch that called the city home by Andy Arthur, 16 February 2024, accessed November 2024)
Iconic species
RZSS penguins
Saturday 25th January 2014 marked a century since the arrival of penguins at Edinburgh Zoo - the first ever penguins to be seen in Europe. Penguins have since become iconic for the Zoo, with a king penguin chick being the first to hatch in the Northern Hemisphere, and the species was incorporated into the Zoo's logo.
In 1914, six months after its grand opening, Edinburgh Zoo accepted a donation of six penguins from Salvesen Co. The four king penguins, one gentoo and one macaroni had made the momentous journey from South Georgia all the way to Leith Docks aboard the Salvesen ship 'Coronda'. They were the first of many donations from Salvesen and would become the Zoo's most iconic species.
Only five years later, Edinburgh Zoo successfully hatched a king penguin chick, the first ever penguin to be successfully bred in the Northern Hemisphere. This hatching was the first of many landmark successes for the Zoo, establishing the global reputation and animal husbandry expertise of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). In 1935, the first macaroni chick in an animal collection hatched at the Zoo, followed two years later by the first gentoo chick.
In 1951 the Zoo started the - now world famous - daily Penguin Parade, which is copied by a few other zoos since then. An accidental event led to the creation of the famous Penguin Parade. When a gentoo penguin escaped its enclosure, the zookeeper decided to see what would happen and it was followed by other penguins to the front of the Zoo. The parade has continued voluntarily to this day.
The Parade is an opportunity for people to get up close to penguins outside of the Southern Hemisphere. The world may have changed a lot over the past century, but penguins have always remained a firm favourite with Edinburg Zoo visitors. Unfortunately the Parade had to be stopped, first due to Covid restrictions, and next due to Avian Influenza outbreaks in the UK. However, in September 2024 the Zoo again hosted the popular world-famous Penguin Parade in a newly adapted version, now called the ‘Wee Waddle’. The ‘Wee Waddle’ is a reimagined version of the zoo’s decade-old tradition and will allow visitors to get up close to see the gentoo, rockhopper and king penguin colony as they leave Penguins Rock to take part in feeds and waddle around part of the perimeter.
Apart from being world-famous for their penguins exploring outside their enclosure, their knowledge and expertise led to Edinburgh Zoo establishing the European breeding studbook for king and gentoo penguins in 1998 - both of which they still hold coordination.
Another, nevertheless rather peculiar, achievement is Sir Nils Olav, the king penguin, who is world-renowned for being the highest-ranking penguin in the world. As the mascot for the Norwegian Guard, he has risen through the ranks from Lance Corporal all the way to Colonel-in-Chief. In 2008, he received a knighthood which was approved by the King of Norway and the Norwegian Guard visits him regularly.
(Source: RZSS press release, 17.01.2014; website Edinburgh Zoo, accessed April 2010; Edinburgh Evening News, 19 September 2024; YouTube – Associated Press)
Wojtek, the Soldier Bear
Official trailer of the animated film: A Bear Named Wojtek (2024)
Wojtek's extraordinary journey began in 1942 when a local boy near Hamadan, Iran, sold a Syrian brown bear cub to Polish soldiers in exchange for canned meat. It is thought the cub's mother was shot by hunters. The cub, too young to feed itself, was given condensed milk from a vodka bottle, like a baby. So, he bonded with the soldiers who fed him. He became trustful and very friendly. And quickly became a beloved mascot of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. Enlisted as an official soldier, complete with name, rank and number, Wojtek traveled with the troops through Iraq, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt before reaching Italy.
The name Wojtek
It is also often spelled as Voytek. Wojtek or Wojciech is an old Slavic name that is still very common in Poland today. It derives from two words: ‘woj’ (the stem of ‘wojownik’, warrior, and ‘wojna’, war); and ‘ciech’, enjoyment. So, the name could have two meanings: ‘he who enjoys war’ or ‘smiling warrior’.
During his time in Palestine, the soldiers tried to provide Wojtek with a companion, acquiring a Persian bear named Michael, whom Wojtek had met before as a mascot of the Polish 16th Lwow Rifles Battalion, which had received the bear as a gift from the Shah of Persia. During their first encounter the two bears fought ferociously. Thus not surprisingly, the second attempt failed as well, and aggressive display between the two bears was repeated. Michael was subsequently donated to the Tel Aviv Zoo, and the soldiers received a monkey, Kaska, who delighted in teasing Wojtek.
Wojtek’s life in the unit was marked by camaraderie and charm. He shared tents with soldiers, enjoyed fruits, marmalade, honey, and syrup, and developed a fondness for beer and cigarettes. His liking for beer had no adverse effect, because for him one bottle was nothing, he was weighing 200kg, so, he didn't get drunk. Playful and personable, Wojtek learned to wrestle and even salute. However, Wojtek didn’t stop at being a mascot. 
When the Company was assigned to help supply food and ammunition to the Allied Forces in the battle of Monte Cassino, the Soldier Bear wasn’t left behind. During the battle in 1944, Wojtek had his most heroic moment, when he carried crates of ammunition under enemy fire. An act that immortalized him as a symbol of courage and earned him the unit's emblem of a bear holding an artillery shell.
Post-war, Wojtek accompanied Polish troops to Hutton in Berwickshire, Scotland, where he became a local celebrity. Upon demobilization in 1947, he was entrusted to Edinburgh Zoo, where he lived out his days, often visited by his wartime comrades. Wojtek passed away in December 1963, but his legacy endures through memorials, books, and sculptures, celebrating him as a unique figure in military and zoological history. And last but not least there’s a documentary made in 2011 entitled Wojtek: The Bear That Went to War, and in 2024 an animated film A Bear Named Wojtek.
Full documentary Wojtek: The Bear That Went to War is available here.
(Source: website Edinburgh Zoo, accessed in 2009; Wikipedia on Edinburgh Zoo and Wojtek; Story of Poland's 'soldier bear' Wojtek turned into film, BBC News, 16 November 2011; website Wojtek the Soldier Bear, by Patryk Polec, accessed November 2024; Wojtek – A Bear Who Became a Soldier, by Piotr Bejrowski, website Polish History, accessed November 2024)
Giant Panda paradox
The arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang, two giant pandas from China, in December 2011 marked a milestone for Edinburgh Zoo, drawing international attention. Returning to China in December 2023, these iconic animals have been a highlight for visitors for over a decade, underscoring the Zoo’s ability to bring rare and charismatic species to the public. However, their presence also highlights a complex challenge faced by zoos worldwide: the high costs and limited biodiversity returns associated with maintaining giant pandas.
Giant pandas are undeniably captivating, serving as potent symbols for conservation and as crowd-pullers for zoos. Yet, their evolutionary trajectory has raised questions about their ecological viability. With specialized diets almost exclusively consisting of bamboo and a notoriously low reproduction rate, pandas face significant survival challenges even with human intervention. Some conservationists argue that pandas have ‘evolutionarily failed’, and while efforts to preserve them may inspire public support for conservation, they contribute little to the overall preservation of global biodiversity.
Edinburgh Zoo reportedly spent around £750,000 annually on the care of its pandas, a figure that includes the lease fee paid to the Chinese government. While this investment generates substantial public interest and media coverage, critics note that such funds could be redirected toward more impactful conservation initiatives involving species with higher chances of survival in the wild or those playing critical roles in their ecosystems.
The debate also extends to the value of panda diplomacy, as the leasing of pandas often represents soft power and international relations more than pure conservation efforts. Despite these critiques, pandas remain a cornerstone of many zoos’ public engagement strategies, fostering awareness and appreciation for wildlife among millions of visitors.
As Tian Tian and Yang Guang prepare to return to China in December 2023, their legacy at Edinburgh Zoo invites reflection. They have undoubtedly captivated hearts and drawn crowds, but their story also poses broader questions about the priorities of modern zoos. Should zoos focus more on species that provide greater ecological returns? Or is the ability to inspire wonder and connect people with wildlife justification enough for such high-profile but costly species?
Visit(s)
09.05.2008
Penguin enclosure; beautiful facilities with huge pond which you can cross by bridge; lot of birds were brooding at time of visit; special attraction is the parade of the penguins, when they walk outside the enclosure, once a day.
Otter enclosure; beautiful copy of the natural environment with a little stream and pond which the little playful rascals enjoy very much.
Chimpanzee enclosure (Budongo trail); Indoors opened a few weeks before visit; Chimps already accustomed to their new environment (according keeper); three separate but interconnected enclosures with great climbing facilities; one of them to be enjoyed from a real theatre setting; a must see; Outside to be finished in a few weeks time.
African wild dog enclosure; enclosure that allows the animals to wander about and get away from the public; although the public already can walk the long wooden trail (few feet above the ground) along the enclosure more or less unobserved by the animals.
Enormous paddocks uphill for the ungulates.
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More info
The Socorro dove
Almost extinct Socorro dove hatches at Edinburgh Zoo
An incredibly rare dove that has been extinct in the wild since the early 1970's has hatched at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo. With less than 100 pure bred individuals of this species left in the world, a Socorro dove chick hatched on the 9th July before taking flight and fledging 14 days later.
Conservation charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), as part of the overarching EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP), has successfully bred this incredibly rare species since 2005 and raised an astounding 12 chicks to date.
Not only that, but in 2008 RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and Paignton Zoo have collectively sent 12 Socorro doves to Albuquerque Zoo in the USA to form a satellite breeding group amongst North American collections, as part of a re-introduction programme. Subsequently, several birds were transferred from there to Africam Safari in Pueblo, Mexico in 2013 and the following year saw the first Socorro dove chicks hatched in Mexico for almost 40 years. The hope is that these birds will provide offspring to be reintroduced to their native habitat on the island of Socorro, Mexico, in the near future.
"Male Socorro doves are notoriously aggressive in their pursuits of mates, which is one of the reasons breeding this species can be difficult," added Oulton. "It is incredibly sad to think that this species is now extinct in the wild and only around 100 exist in captivity. The hatching of this bird highlights the significant role zoos play in conserving species and helping to increase population numbers of rare animals. Due to coordinated breeding programmes with zoos across the world, this species has been saved and we are able to increase the numbers and hopefully reintroduce them back into their native habitat."
The young bird, which has yet to be sexed, is currently off-show at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo with its parents. However an adult Socorro dove can be spotted in the Brilliant Birds Enclosure at the Zoo.
(Source: RZSS press release, 03.08.2015)
Socorro dove returns to Mexico for first time in over 40 years
For the first time in four decades, the critically endangered Socorro Dove has returned to its native country of Mexico, thanks to a captive breeding program involving 33 organisations in 12 countries.
The Socorro Dove was endemic to Socorro Island on the Revillagigedo Archipelago, approximately 400 miles southwest of the west Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta. The last record of the species in its natural habitat dates from 1972. Introduced mammals likely drove it to extinction through predation and habitat destruction.
Mexico's role in the conservation breeding program was ramped up earlier this year when six Socorro Doves were moved from facilities at New Mexico's Albuquerque BioPark to Africam Safari, located near Mexico City. Today, facilities in Europe, the United States, and now Mexico breed Socorro Doves in their aviaries as part of the globally managed breeding program. Altogether, there are approximately 70 doves in Europe, 37 in the U.S., and six in Mexico.
(Source: American Bird Conservancy press release, 08.10.2013)
Re-introduction of the Socorro dove
Originally, it was foreseen that doves for reintroduction were going to travel directly from Europe to Mexico. However, avian influenza outbreaks throughout Europe in 2005 prompted the Mexican government to ban the importation of any birds from Europe. Therefore, to overcome this constraint and maintain the safety of avian populations, captive breeding of European stock will be first brought into the United States and then transferred to Mexico prior to any introduction to Socorro Island.
(Source: Re-Introduction of the Socorro dove, Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico [Martínez-Gómez et al, draft], Academia.edu)
Zoo details
Some additional information, such as contact details and involvement in breeding programmes.
Location
Directions
Directions to Edinburgh Zoo
Due to the residential nature of Edinburgh Zoo's location it is recommended to take the bus or bicycle to go there. The Zoo can be easily accessed via public transport with high frequency bus services from Edinburgh city centre.
Address:
134 Corstorphine Road
EH12 6TS
Edinburgh
Scotland
United Kingdom
public transport
by train
There are two trains stations in the centre of Edinburgh; Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh Haymarket Station. Train timetables and ticket information are available here.
From Waverley and Haymarket stations, take the buses listed below (from Edinburgh city centre) to Edinburgh Zoo.
Alternatively, if you are coming from further a field why not take the First Transpennine Express
by bus
Edinburgh Zoo can be easily accessed via public transport with high frequency bus services from Edinburgh city centre. There are two bus stops outside the front entrance. Lothian Buses 12, 26 and, 31 all stop outside and can be picked up near both Haymarket and Waverly Station or in the city centre. The 100 Airlink Service also stops regularly outside our front entrance and operates between Edinburgh Airport and the City Centre.
The following Lothian Buses pass the Zoo every few minutes:
Bus #12: Seafield - Leith - Princes Street -Haymarket - Zoo - Gyle Centre
Bus #26 : Seton Sands/Tranent - Portobello - City Centre - Zoo - Clerwood
Bus #31 : Bonnyrigg - City Centre - Zoo - East Craigs
All Lothian Buses are now low-floor and fully accessible for wheelchairs and foldable buggies. More information here.
Other Services:
900 Citylink - Glasgow - Edinburgh
909 Citylink - Stirling - Edinburgh
904 Citylink - East Kilbride - Edinburgh
For the latest Citylink timetables and fares check here.
by bicycle
The Zoo is very close to Carrick Knowe cycle route (access from Downie Grove), which in turn connects by minor roads and other cycle routes to most of the city. To work out your best route, see the Spokes Edinburgh Cycle Map (available at most book and bike shops, or online here). An online cycle route planner is also available here.
Cycle parking (Sheffield racks) is available on the pavement immediately outside the zoo. There is currently no visitor bike parking on the site, but this is something they are looking into.
by car
Please note that car parking spaces are limited and there is a £4.00 car park admission cost. During the day, some parking can also be found within the vicinity of the Zoo but please note this space is also limited due to the residential nature of the Zoo's location.
Zoo map
Download the current Zoo map & guide here.
