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Edinburgh Zoo animals | Wildlife highlights, iconic zones & daily shows

Whether you are planning a family day out or you are a wildlife enthusiast eager to explore the incredible Edinburgh Zoo animals, this world-class conservation hub offers an unforgettable journey. Home to a vibrant community of rare and endangered species, Edinburgh Zoo sets itself apart with historic wildlife milestones, immersive hillside habitats, and hands-on conservation work led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Meet the crew at Edinburgh Zoo

Gentoo penguin swimming in Antarctica Zone at Atlantis Aquarium.
Sleeping koala in a tree along the Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour.
Capybara eating leaves at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sumatran tiger standing among bamboo at Wroclaw Zoo.
Nubian giraffe close-up at Edinburgh Zoo with visitor interaction.
Malayan sun bear resting on a tree branch in a lush forest.
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Gentoo & King Penguins

The historic Edinburgh Zoo penguins are absolute icons. Among them, you might even spot famous couples, including the headline-making Edinburgh Zoo gay penguins who successfully foster eggs together!

📍 Where to find it: Penguins Rock
🐾 Fun fact: Edinburgh Zoo’s colony hosted the world’s first captive king penguin chick back in 1919!

Queensland Koala

The only koalas in the UK can be found right here, lazily munching on eucalyptus leaves.

📍 Where to find it: Koala Territory
🐨 Fun fact: They sleep up to 20 hours a day to save energy!

Capybara

The universally loved Edinburgh Zoo capybara group is a massive hit for visitors who adore these giant, chill rodents.

📍 Where to find it: Located near the hilltop habitats
🐾 Fun fact: Their teeth grow continuously to compensate for grazing on tough grass

Sumatran Tiger

Witness the magnificent Edinburgh Zoo tiger pacing gracefully through its sprawling, custom-built habitat.

📍 Where to find it: Tiger Tracks
🐯 Fun fact: Sumatran tigers are the smallest surviving tiger subspecies in the world

Nubian Giraffe

The majestic Edinburgh Zoo giraffe herd towers over the park, offering fantastic viewing opportunities.

📍 Where to find it: Giraffe Manor-style hilltop house
🦒 Fun fact: Seeing giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of the city skyline!

Malayan Sun Bear

Say hello to the energetic Edinburgh Zoo sun bears, a crowd-favourite species famous for their long tongues and distinct chest markings.

📍 Where to find it: Sun Bear Exhibit
🐻 Fun fact: They are excellent climbers and build sleeping nests high up in trees!

Key animal exhibits & zones at Edinburgh Zoo

Penguins Rock

Dive into Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool! This massive habitat features a diving board, a waterfall, and giant glass viewing windows to watch the birds swim underwater.

  • Creatures you can spot: Gentoo, King, and Northern Rockhopper penguins.
  • Don’t miss: The famous Penguin Walk or the daily keeper-led waddles.
  • Interactivity: Watch live feedings and listen to educational talks.

Budongo Trail

Step into an interactive, state-of-the-art facility designed to mimic the natural rainforest habitat of primates. This world-leading enclosure houses a large, highly social troop.

  • Creatures you can spot: The intelligent Edinburgh Zoo chimpanzee troop.
  • Don’t miss: The indoor interactive games where you can compare your skills to a chimp's puzzle-solving speed.
  • Note: While you'll find plenty of Edinburgh Zoo monkey and ape species here and across the park, please note there is no gorilla or orangutan on site.

Hilltop Safari & Plains

Take a stroll up the hillside to encounter majestic creatures adapted to wide-open spaces and rugged terrains.

  • Creatures you can spot: The Edinburgh Zoo rhino (Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros), Edinburgh Zoo zebra (Grevy's), and the adorable Edinburgh Zoo pygmy hippo.
  • Don’t miss: Spectacular views across Edinburgh from the very top of the zoo.
  • Note: If you are looking for massive land mammals, note that there are currently no elephants or bears like grizzlies, as the zoo focuses on specialised conservation spaces.

​All zones at Edinburgh Zoo

Unique experiences & must-do activities

Living Links

An active research centre run in partnership with the University of St Andrews. Watch scientists study primate behaviour in real-time as a playful Edinburgh Zoo monkey group navigates foraging puzzles.

  • Perfect for: Curious kids and science lovers.
  • Location: Centre of the park.

Brilliant Birds Aviary

Walk through an exotic indoor aviary where vibrant Edinburgh Zoo birds fly freely right over your head.

  • Perfect for: Photographers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Species: Exotic pigeons, ibis, and the colourful Edinburgh Zoo flamingos nearby.

Feeding times & animal encounters

AnimalFeeding/Talk timeLocationInteraction type

Penguins

2:15pm daily

Penguins Rock

Watch feeding & keeper Q&As

Chimpanzees

12pm

Budongo Trail

Keeper talk & enrichment

Koalas

11am

Koala Territory

Fresh eucalyptus feeding

Meerkats

3:30pm

Meerkat Enclosure

Watch the Edinburgh Zoo meerkats grab snacks

Visitor tips for animal lovers

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: Edinburgh Zoo is built on a steep hill. Pace yourself as you climb up to visit the Edinburgh Zoo red panda and the giraffes!
  • Look low for hidden gems: Some of the coolest small creatures, like the Edinburgh Zoo sloths, the Edinburgh Zoo armadillo (large hairy armadillo), and the Edinburgh Zoo anteater, like to curl up or hide in the foliage.
  • Check out the reptiles: Head indoors to spot the fascinating Edinburgh Zoo reptiles, including exotic Edinburgh Zoo snakes and frogs.
  • Don't miss the otters: Look for the playful Edinburgh Zoo otters splashing around their river habitat early in the morning when they are most active.

Frequently asked questions about animals at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world. Key highlights include the UK's only Queensland koalas, a massive colony of king and gentoo penguins, Sumatran tigers, Nubian giraffes, Asian small-clawed otters, and a large troop of chimpanzees.

More reads

Edinburgh Zoo Zones

Getting Around the Zoo

Plan Your Visit

Edinburgh Zoo Tickets