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.
10 fascinating Edinburgh Zoo facts you didn’t know
Nestled on the scenic slopes of Corstorphine Hill, this world-class wildlife park has been connecting visitors with nature since 1913. Discover the most surprising Edinburgh Zoo facts, from royal residents to groundbreaking conservation milestones.
10 incredible Edinburgh Zoo facts
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Zoo facts
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.
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.
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.
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. Know more.
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.
