What we offer
Our community offering is very flexible. We offer a self-led ticket option as well as variety of themed walking tours, online talks, additional support needs programmes and so much more with our Discovery and Learning team!
Whether you are visiting Edinburgh Zoo or having the zoo come to you, we promise a memorable experience that will connect you with the wild, natural world.
Explore some of our offerings below!
Book a session
Zoo tours
One of our RZSS Discovery Ranger's can share the zoo with your group in a unique themed tour! As the zoo has varied and sometimes difficult terrain, let us know when booking if you group has any mobility difficulties. All tours have a maximum capacity of 30 individuals per tour, regardless of age. Larger groups will be divided into separate tours.
Rain and rainforests
Living together can be difficult, but space sharing is what makes rainforests so important! In this one-hour tour, visitors will learn all about what makes rainforests critically essential to the world’s biodiversity and why the animals and plants that live in them are so vital. Our animals, such as cassowaries and sun bears, help us tell the unique stories of the world’s rainforests and what you can do to make a difference!
Life as a zookeeper
Our zookeepers have a rewarding and varied job caring for our animals 365 days a year! In this one-hour tour you will find out what our keepers do day-to-day to ensure all our animals receive the best possible care. With your support we can continue to provide expert care for our animals and continue our conservation work around the world.
Best for ages: 5+
Fan favourites
Learn about the zoo’s most popular animals in this shorter tour. Starting at the majestic giraffes and winding past big cats and koalas, this whirlwind expedition will dash through everyone’s favourite furry and feathered friends!
Best for ages: 5+
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Endangered animals
What makes an animal endangered and what can we all do to save them? This one-hour tour explores some of the world’s most endangered animals living right here at Edinburgh Zoo and why their loss to the world would be devastating! Learn what RZSS and partners are doing to protect these important species here and in the wild.
Best for ages: 5+
Tiny Treks
Discover the insights into the lives of animals in these 30-minute tiny treks. Tiny treks are themed around our animals include big cats, monkeys and pollinators. The full list can be found on our booking page. These tours allow you a glimpse into zoo whilst experiencing the key highlights in a shorten timeframe.
Best for ages: 5+
Around the world
Even though there are so many unique species around the globe, they are all interconnected through human actions! Learn about ways you can help animals worldwide as you travel around the world with RZSS, visiting koalas from Australia, wildcats from Scotland, and every continent in between. This two-hour guided globetrotting tour is sure to be a journey you will never forget!
Best for ages: 11+
Workshops
These themed sessions are a fun and engaging way to explore a subject. Led by an amazing RZSS Discovery Ranger, your group will have a PAWsome time! Workshops are held mostly indoors and seated unless otherwise indicated.
Enrichment workshop
Groups will learn about the way we use behavioural enrichment to care for animals and have the opportunity to build an enrichment item for one of our animals!
Length: 45 minutes
Appropriate for all ages
Skull discovery
This hands-on exploration uses animal skulls to teach animal adaptations. Groups will use their own observation and will be shocked at how much can be learned from just a skull!
Length: 60 minutes
Best for ages: 10+
Wildlife Storytelling
Enjoy an exclusive story telling session for your group based around our amazing animals and the places they live! Story telling sessions include a story, a visit to see the animal and a takeaway craft. Choose from a selection of animals when booking including giraffes, cheetahs, penguins and sloths.
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Wild Designs
Ever wondered what it takes to design a comfy and enriching home for some of your favourite zoo animals? Join us for a wild and wonderful interactive workshop where creativity meets conservation. Discover the secret innovations of animals' enclosures and before putting your skills to the test in crafting a perfect habitat. Using materials provided this hands-on workshop brings the zoo to life and is perfect for budding zoo tycoons, curious minds and future artist alike. Let's get building!
Length: 60 minutes
Best for ages: 8+
Virtual tours
Please note, virtual tours are currently unavailable.
All one-hour tours are available as a virtual tour. For additional costs, RZSS can also do specialised virtual tours specific to the interests of your group.
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Polar bears to penguins
Take a polar journey from one end of the world to the other in this joint session. Learn about penguins and other Antarctic species from experts at Edinburgh Zoo and the Arctic animals that call Highland Wildlife Park home from rangers up north.
Best for ages: 5+
Animal Meet and Greets
Animal meet and greets have a maximum capacity of 20 individuals per session. Larger groups will be divided into separate sessions.
Get up close to some of the zoo’s friendliest residents! Your group will be introduced to some of our more unusual animals which could include a small mammal, reptiles, and invertebrates.
All sessions are dependent on capacity and animal availability.
Zoo socials
At our socials, we offer a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the zoo, as well as people who have always loved visiting. The sessions are relaxed and informal, start with tea and biscuits, and feature a range of activities inspired by our animals and conservation work.
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Dementia Friendly
Our Dementia Friendly socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. Dementia Socials happen the first Friday of every month from January through June. Each month focuses on a different animal or conservation issue and often involves zoo experts, Q&A sessions, and other opportunities to learn more about the amazing work happening at RZSS and around the world!
New parent socials
New parent socials are created for brand new parents and their babies, taking place on the third Friday of each month from September through June. Each month focuses on a different animal or conservation issue and often involves zoo experts, Q&A sessions, and other opportunities to learn more about the amazing work happening at RZSS and around the world!
