ZOO OPENING TIMES
We are open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9am until:
| 6.00pm | April - Sept. |
| 5.00pm | Oct. & March |
| 4.30pm | Nov. - Feb. |
How you can help
The natural world needs our help...and we need yours! Please consider making a donation to support our conservation, education and research work, both within our parks and across the world.
Our Future
We are currently working on a Masterplan that will see the redevelopment of the entire Zoo over the next 20 years. The first phase of this Masterplan has been completed by the opening of our new state-of-the-art chimpanzee enclosure, Budongo Trail.
Naturally, Masterplan will remain flexible to allow successors to adapt it to changing conditions and conservation needs, but in essence it will be designed around four major biomes:
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oceans + wetlands
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grasslands
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woodlands
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tropical rainforests
Visitor immersion
In each biome, the visitor will be 'immersed' in the habitat, which will not only enhance the experience but also increase their understanding of the animals to be found there. Each biome will feature a few 'wow' animal species, like lions, polar bears and penguins, as well as an intricate mix of different animal types which will 'tell the story' of that particular habitat. These will be mixed, wherever possible, in groupings that you might find in the wild. There will be no more 'reptile houses' for example, but reptiles of various different types will be found in the four different biomes, alongside mammals and birds from the same habitats.
Transport
Visitors will be able to travel around the Zoo on a continuous transport system, which will link all four biomes, radiating from a brand new entrance, sited at the top of the car park. The new entrance plaza will offer areas for eating, shopping and generally relaxing. Each biome will also have a central node, with satellite retail, catering and children's play areas, all themed on that particular biome.
Environmental sustainability
In line with our responsibility to be environmentally sustainable, all materials and processes in the building of our new Zoo will be selected to have the lowest impact on the environment. We intend to use renewable energy wherever possible, and natural processes like reed beds for water treatment, for example.
Funding
To realise this dream will require significant financial resources - the latest estimates are £72m during the 20-year plan. If you would be interested in donating money or sponsoring any aspect of the new Zoo, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact:
The Development Department
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh
EH12 6TS
Tel. 0131 314 0309