The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is known for its gorgeous Gothic buildings, museum, and eye-catching old town roads and ridges. Many tourists find Edinburgh an excellent travel destination, so the city is always crowded with travellers yearly. In this article, we’ll describe zoos. Because it also offers a unique variety of experiences, every zoo in Edinburgh is worth visiting.

This city celebrates numerous interesting yearly festivals that everybody loves participating in. By visiting zoos, you can explore their culture too. So suit up and add these listed ones to your travel list.

1. Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is spread over 82 acres and has more than 1000 rare animal species. If you are an animal enthusiast, you should check this out. In addition, it has Budongo Trail, where you can see a group of chimpanzees lying and playing.

Screenshot from the Official Website

And, of course, you shouldn’t miss out on the adorable koalas and giant pandas because their cuteness will melt your heart immediately.

Furthermore, the zoo has Indian Rhinos, Sun Bears, Sloths and various monkeys. How could we forget about the penguin parade? Also, stop Worrying about kids because the Edinburgh Zoo has an additional kid section and play areas.

2. Five Sisters Zoo 

Since 2005, the Five Sisters Zoo has attracted tourists and become a wildlife interest. It’s home to over 165 distinct types of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Also, they allow visitors to feed the lemurs, which you should catch a glimpse of. Don’t forget to stop by Monkey House and say hello to naughty pals.

3. Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

All animal lovers get ready to dive into the wilderness. This Blair Drummond safari and adventure park cum zoo will give you the best exploration of different types of lovely animals that will leave you thrilled.

The place has Giraffes, chimpanzees, Monkeys, Rhinos, Antelope, Camels and Lions. Moreover, the park has different bird species that will make you staggered. So grab a chance to say hello to every animal whenever you travel.

Also, they got dinosaurs! Not the real one. The workers did a pretty good job in making those real-looking life-size dinosaurs. You will find 20 life-size dinosaurs here, which is quite good.

The zoo workers have prepared a real-looking Jurassic Park to make the place more exciting and attractive. Therefore, you don’t need to bring your food here because they have a restaurant, cafe, Shack Grill, BBQ, picnic spots, and much more.

Start booking tickets from its website to unite yourself with the beautiful environment.

4. Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve 

If you want to see the beauty of the stunning waterfalls, rivers, and streams, add the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve of Scotland to your travel list.

Besides waterfalls and rivers, you will find more than 100 bird species, for example, Kingfisher, Dipper, and Raven. Therefore, make sure to bring your binoculars to watch those birds.

You will encounter a vast collection of birds and mammals with each path. You can spend the remaining day watching and feeding them near the river.

Besides birds and bats, this wildlife reserve offers toys, games, wildlife, educational events, and crafts for fun, which you can enjoy after you get tired.

At the ‘Visitor Center’, they play live footage of nesting Peregrine, specially made for visitors.

5. Highland Wildlife Park 

It’s a safari park with 105 hectares. The Highland Wildlife Park in Edinburgh is nestled with insects or animals such as Kellas cats, European Bisons, Yaks, Red giant Pandas, Arctic foxes, Japanese Macaques and Wolves.

Here you can experience nature and wildlife. The keepers of this park spend a lot of time providing proper security to all the animals and protecting them from extinction. As it is open daily, you can find many localities or visitors.

Therefore, if you are considering a visit here, book your tickets around September or October because all the tickets are sold out during holidays and weekends. Those part of the Royal Zoological Society can get the tickets in good times.

6. Monikie Country Park

Monikie Country Park in Monikie, Angus, is surrounded by two former reservoirs of beautiful woodlands, walking trails, and an adventure play park. It has a defined Bird sanctuary where you can sneak peek at Woodpeckers, Tawny owls, insects and amphibians.

Do you know Monikie Country Park has water sports? Well, now you know.

The watersports area comprises various activities, such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, kayaking and rowboats, suitable for summer. All the equipment for watersports and other facilities will be provided to you.

Also, don’t forget to visit the Byzantium Cafe restaurant, they have the best quality food you may enjoy.

7. Scottish Owl Centre

Founded by a husband and wife named Rod and Niccy in 2003. They started this zoo centre with a small collection of owls. In 2005, the Scottish Owl Centre officially opened to the public and started greeting people and tourists. The place has the most fantastic collection of owls in the world.

In addition, they provide educational activities for kids. Their cuteness will soften those who are scared of owls.

8. Scottish Seabird Centre

The beautiful and adorable seabirds always evoke the mood whenever you see them. The Scottish Seabird Centre, in the beautiful town of North Berwick, attracts many localities and tourists.

However, it is the most attractive centre for travellers in the world. Due to the beautiful location, the Edinburgh Bird Centre will allow you to watch those lovely birds.

Explore the grace of Scotland’s Bird Centre by looking at them through live cameras. Absorb the gorgeous view from their seabird cafe and gift shops.

Furthermore, you will be enjoying outdoor activities which are accessible to everybody. Therefore, spend your great day visiting these brilliant birds.

9. The Scottish Deer Centre

Here comes the deer with its 12 different endangered species. They are beautiful animals with stunning horns, and the zoo keepers have devoted their lives to conserving deer. Under their watch, they are adequately protected here.

Located in the beautiful Fife countryside of the UK, the Scottish Deer Centre is spread up to 55 acres.

In addition, they have other collections of animals, such as Wild cats, Red foxes, Koalas, Owls, Otters and wolves. You’ll get unique packages like Deer Tour, Mini Rangers and Pond Dipping here.

FAQs –

1. Is the Opening Hours of the Zoo in Edinburgh the Same? 

Most of the zoo’s opening hours are the same. But sometimes the arrival timings can vary from month to month. You can check out their official websites to know about the timings. Due to changes in the weather, they changed the zoo timings.

However, a helpline number is available on their official website, through which you can contact them.

2. Can We Take Photographs Inside the Zoo?

In most areas, photography is allowed, but in some places, there are restrictions because of animal safety. Therefore, try not to click pictures very close to the animals as it might disturb them. Follow the zoo’s guidelines regarding photography.

3. Are There Any Facilities for Disabled People?  

People with disabilities are welcome in any Edinburgh zoo. Many zoos are accessible to disabled people; they provide ramps and washrooms, and tour guides are available, too. In addition, zoos have special car parking facilities. But if a problem occurs, you can contact the zoo office.

4. Are Pets Allowed Inside the Zoo in Edinburgh?

Well, it depends upon the zoo and its rules. Some allow pets, but some of them have strict policies for pets. Bringing pets can disturb the animals and will be harmful to other tourists. Therefore, contact the zoo authority about the pet’s safety.

Although, in some zoos, they build pet shelters to keep your pet safe. So, we would suggest you contact the helpline number before the visit.

Edinburgh is a beautiful tourist destination in the UK that people worldwide visit every year. Its dark, gloomy roads and buildings will take you back to the 18th century. The capital city has some gorgeous zoos along with its beautiful buildings and towns.

Every zoo in Edinburgh has some distinct features. Some have a vast collection of owls, and some have a group of lemurs, monkeys and dinosaurs. Therefore, leave your everyday work and wrap yourself around nature and wilderness.

Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Mansi