Guide Dogs go for a walk on the wild side at Edinburgh Zoo

Two puppies in training to become guide dogs enjoyed a visit to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a new collaboration between Guide Dogs and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). Alongside their volunteer puppy raisers the two dogs, Indie and Rose, had a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate the capital’s zoo.

Exploring the zoo allows the aspiring guide dogs to encounter a range of different environments, from darker and lighter lit areas, to various types of walkways and surfaces. The dogs also learn how to focus on their training without being distracted by the wildlife conservation charity’s big characters from internet sensation Haggis the pygmy hippo to the herd of Nubian giraffes.

RZSS deputy chief executive, Ben Supple said, “We passionately believe that nature is for everyone so we’re incredibly proud to be working with Guide Dogs.  

“It is an important collaboration because we want everyone to be able to visit Edinburgh Zoo and enjoy the amazing animals in our care, learn more about conservation and find out what changes we can all make in our lives to protect, value and love nature.  

Through this collaboration with Guide Dogs, Edinburgh Zoo can help people living with sight-loss realise the mental and physical health benefits of being close to wildlife.”

Fiona Fraser, puppy development supervisor at Guide Dogs, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Edinburgh Zoo, giving our guide dog puppies a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop in such a unique setting.

“Our life-changing guide dogs enable people with sight loss to live active and independent lives, so having our pups become familiar, calm and confident in different environments is crucial.  

“We’re very proud of Indie and Rose, as well as their volunteer puppy raisers, who had a great experience meeting the amazing wildlife within the zoo.”

The dogs are at a critical stage in their development where gaining experience of new sights, sounds and smells helps them to build resilience and develop into confident guide dogs of the future. 

Learn more about being a volunteer puppy raiser