Home to pygmy marmosets, Goeldi’s monkeys, and cotton-top tamarins, this lush indoor rainforest allows you to observe tiny mammals navigating dense greenery.
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Edinburgh Zoo isn’t just any wildlife park, it’s where adventure, education, and conservation meet. From the moment you enter, panoramic city views of Edinburgh set the stage for encounters with over 2,500 animals. You can watch chimpanzees swinging along the Budongo Trail, or marvel at the bachelor herd of giraffes in their spacious grassland-style enclosure.
The zoo’s immersive exhibits bring wildlife to life. Explore Koala Territory, watch Sumatran tigers through a glass tunnel, and wander tropical zones like the Magic Forest and Sloth and Armadillo habitats. Keeper talks and interactive demonstrations offer hands-on learning that’s both fun and insightful.
Edinburgh Zoo also plays an active role in protecting endangered species and restoring habitats worldwide. Add in kid-friendly play areas, scenic picnic spots, and the unforgettable Penguin Parade, and it’s clear why this zoo is more than an attraction!
Edinburgh Zoo opened in 1913, established by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Its original focus was the study and conservation of exotic and native species. Over the decades, it became renowned for pioneering breeding programs, including the world’s first successful penguin breeding in captivity. The zoo expanded steadily, introducing tropical rainforest habitats, chimpanzee enclosures, and large predator exhibits. Today, it remains a leading center for animal research, conservation, and public education, attracting visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Founded by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo was created to merge scientific research with public engagement. Over the years, architects and planners have expanded the site with a thoughtful focus on animal welfare, conservation, and visitor experience. Enclosures are designed to replicate animals’ natural habitats, from rainforest canopies and grasslands to riverbanks, while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Historic elements from the original 1913 structures coexist with modern features like glass viewing tunnels, climbing structures, and sustainable design elements, ensuring visitors enjoy immersive, educational encounters while animals thrive.
Tickets are often slightly cheaper online, and booking in advance guarantees entry on busy days, including weekends and holidays.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for queuing, security checks, and accessing your preferred exhibits.
Yes, general admission includes scheduled daily talks and the Penguin Parade, weather and animal willingness permitting.
Weekday mornings outside school holidays are quieter. Sensory maps and bags are available for neurodiverse visitors.
The zoo stays open in all weather. Dress accordingly. Indoor areas provide shelter during heavy rain.
Yes, you can combine your Edinburgh Zoo ticket with the Edinburgh Dungeon or a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour through online combo tickets.
Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets
Combo (Save 5%): Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo Tickets
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour