What is Edinburgh Zoo most famous for?

The park is globally renowned for its historic relationship with penguins. It was the first facility in the world to house and breed them, and it hosts the world-famous daily Penguin Parade. It is also famous for being the only zoo in the UK with a Royal Charter.

What makes the Edinburgh Zoo penguin parade so special?

The daily parade is a completely voluntary tradition for the birds. Started by accident in the 1950s when a keeper left an enclosure gate open, the march allows the zoo's famous colony of king, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins to waddle outside alongside delighted visitors.

Why does Edinburgh Zoo have a Royal Charter?

The zoo was granted a Royal Charter by King George V in 1913, the same year it officially opened to the public. This rare, prestigious title was awarded to honour the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s profound dedication to animal education and international wildlife conservation.

How big is Edinburgh Zoo and how many animals live there?

The wildlife park spans across 82 acres of beautiful, sloping parkland on Corstorphine Hill. It serves as home to a diverse living collection of more than 2,500 incredible animals, representing around 100 different rare and endangered species from all over the globe. <link linkType="internal" newTab="false" url="" id="LHolmIdp" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6a104a6bab536d046f4d3817" text="Know more" uid="www.edinburgh-tickets.com.edinburgh-zoo.animals" lang="en" />.

Are there still giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo?

No, there are no longer giant pandas at the park. The beloved panda pair, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, lived at the zoo for 12 years as part of a major international research agreement before safely returning home to China in December 2023.

10 Edinburgh Zoo Fun Facts You Should Know Before Your Visit

10 incredible Edinburgh Zoo facts

The world’s only knighted penguin

The zoo is home to Sir Nils Olav III, a king penguin who serves as the official mascot and Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard. He was officially knighted in 2008 and promoted to Brigadier in 2023.

Global pioneers in penguin breeding

Edinburgh Zoo was the very first safari park/zoo in the world to successfully house and breed penguins. The initial three king penguins arrived from a Norwegian whaling expedition back in the year 1913.

The famous accidental penguin parade

The zoo’s iconic daily penguin parade started entirely by accident during the 1950s. A zookeeper mistakenly left the enclosure gate open, and a group of curious penguins followed him out, creating a beloved daily tradition.

Scotland's only koalas and sloths

Among its diverse inhabitants, this is the only zoological park in Scotland where you can see Queensland koalas and sloths. The zoo coordinates closely with international breeding programs to care for these rare, incredible species.

Other animals at Edinburgh Zoo

Distinguished royal status

It is the only zoo in the entire United Kingdom to hold a Royal Charter. Granted in 1913 by King George V, this prestigious title honours the institution's deep commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

A bachelor herd of giraffes

In 2021, the zoo welcomed a majestic bachelor herd of Nubian giraffes named Arrow, Gerald, Fennessy, and Gilbert. Their specially designed habitat features spectacular, sweeping views across the entire city of Edinburgh.

Powered by a conservation charity

The park is owned and operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). Every ticket purchased directly funds vital wildlife conservation projects both locally in Scotland and in threatened habitats across the globe.

An impressive living collection

Spanning across 82 acres of parkland, the zoo houses more than 2,500 rare and endangered animals from around the world. The diverse grounds also feature an extensive botanical collection of unique trees and shrubs.

The sister wildlife park

The RZSS also operates a massive sister site called the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig. While the city zoo focuses on global wildlife, the Highland Park specialises in native Scottish species like the rare wildcat.

Famous links to Wojtek the bear

During World War II, a Syrian brown bear named Wojtek fought alongside Polish soldiers and moved to the zoo post-war. He became a local celebrity, symbolising bravery, and remains one of the most famous historical residents.