Plan your visit

Welcome to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo!

Our wildlife conservation charity has a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved!

Edinburgh Zoo is a gateway to the natural world where people can experience nature, learn about the challenges facing wildlife and discover how we harness the unique power of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) family – our teams, supporters and partners – to save animals from extinction.

We are open seven days a week (but closed on Christmas Day) and we recommend that everyone apart from RZSS members should book tickets online in advance to save money and avoid disappointment.

Tickets are limited and may sell out during school holidays and weekends – we recommend that you book your ticket at least two hours before your visit, unless you are an RZSS member or their guest. As usual, RZSS members must accompany guests who can pay for discounted admission on the gate –please see the members section below for more information and sign up for member emails for the latest updates.  

It is really important to be aware of what to expect on the day, including our very limited car parking spaces, queues for entry, popular viewing areas and more – please watch the 'What to expect' video or read the information in the FAQs below.

Please respect the ‘rules of the road’ at the zoo and our dedicated teams who are there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun day out. 

We really appreciate your support and kindly ask that you read the information below before getting in touch (you can find contact details at the bottom of this page).  

Hopefully you can visit us soon – we look forward to seeing you!  

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Frequently asked questions

  • Top tips
  • Tickets
  • Travel and weather
  • During your visit
  • RZSS members and adopters
  • Animals, experiences and events

Your most asked questions, answered!

  • Is everything open as normal?

    While most of the zoo is open to visitors as normal, there are some exceptions:

    • Our lemur walkthroughs will remain closed for now as primates have an increased risk from Covid-19, but you can still see them in their indoor and outdoor areas
    • The penguin parade is also still postponed for the time being due to the risks of avian flu in the UK
    • Our monkey house is closed for development, but you can spot our primates in their outdoor areas, with other cheeky monkey species throughout the zoo too!

    Sometimes we have to close viewing for an animal at short notice for their wellbeing or check ups by our expert vets and keepers.

    Although we will always do our best to help visitors see as many of our animals as possible, they may well decide to go for a nap or some quiet time in a hidden area (just like some humans we know!).

    Our top tip is to go back to different animals at different times of the day to give yourself the best chance of spotting them all out and about.

  • Does everyone need to book online in advance?

     

    To avoid disappointment on the day, we recommend visitors book in advance, including those with prepaid tickets (prepaid ticket holders include reciprocal zoo members, admission vouchers, corporate tickets, Blue Peter badge holders and adopter tickets). You'll also save 10% by booking online!

    Tickets are limited and may sell out during school holidays and weekends – please remember to book a ticket online in advance at least two hours before your visit, unless you are an RZSS member or their guest. RZSS members and their guests do not need to book in advance (please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests).

    Last entry is one hour before closing — though we recommend giving yourself at least two hours to get around the park.

  • Can I use the car park?

    We are a city zoo, so parking spaces are very limited and only available on a first come, first served basis. Our car park is very popular and can fill up early in the day (before 11am during school holidays).

    All car park users need to take a ticket from the barriers on arrival and have this validated to exit the car park to avoid paying full price (£10) at the machine.

    Parking at the zoo is free for blue badge holders and RZSS members who can continue to park for free as part of their membership benefits. Parking for zoo visitors is £3.

    Travelling by bus is highly recommended where possible and our partners at Lothian Buses can drop you off right outside our gates with their regular services from the city centre (including Waverley and Haymarket train station) and surrounding areas.

    We also have a handy webpage with information about alternative parking at edz.org.uk/park

  • Do you have dinosaurs at the zoo?

    Yes! Our triceraTOP TIP this year is to explore our new Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo exhibition at the top of the hill - FREE with zoo entry (and well worth the climb or short wait for our mobility vehicle!) 🦖

    Find out more about these incredible prehistoric giants who'll be with us for two years at edinburghzoo.org.uk/dinosaurs

  • Does severe weather affect our visit?

    Sometimes! We always do everything we can to stay open and welcome you to the zoo, but extreme weather can take this decision out of our hands (and paws...) and mean closing parts of the park to visitors for everyone's safety.

    We will always email all pre-booked ticket holders and update our website and social media channels if we had to close or make significant changes in the park.

    Tickets for daytime visits and events are only refundable if the zoo has to close or an event is cancelled, but we understand you may need to rearrange your visit if extreme weather means travelling is unsafe, or if you have an emergency.

    If you need to change the date of your visit, please email info@rzss.org.uk with your booking details with as much notice as possible. Our small team work very hard to get back to everyone as quickly as they can but this could take up to 72 hours at the moment.

    We will of course rearrange your visit to a day with availability if you need to self-isolate or have another emergency and really appreciate your patience - do not worry if you do not receive a reply before your original booked date.

Tickets

  • Can I buy a ticket on the door?

    We strongly recommend visitors, who are not members, book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment on the day — this includes anyone with vouchers, reciprocal zoo memberships and other prepaid tickets (please book these using the prepaid ticket option and bring your vouchers or proof of other zoo membership on the day).

    Last entry is one hour before closing — though we recommend giving yourself at least two hours to get around the zoo.

  • When and how can I book my ticket?

    We strongly recommend everyone, apart from RZSS members and their guests, book online in advance – this includes carers, children under three years old and pre-paid ticket holders.

    Prepaid tickets include postponed tickets, gift admission vouchers and corporate tickets. You can also use this option for Blue Peter badge holders (prepaid child) and if you are a member at one of our reciprocal zoos.

    Tickets are limited and may sell out during school holidays and weekends - they must be booked at least two hours before an available time slot.

    (Please see the RZSS members section for more information on exceptions for members and their guests.)


    Book tickets

     

  • I am a member, do I need to book?

    No - RZSS members and their accompanied guests no longer have to book in advance for visits to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

    As usual, RZSS members must accompany guests who can pay for admission on the gate – please sign up for member emails for the latest updates. 

    If you are a member of a reciprocal zoo, you still need to book a time slot online in advance – please use the prepaid ticket options and bring along your proof of membership on the day.

    Book tickets

     

  • How do I book a Blue Peter badge or 'Kids for a Quid' ticket?

    Children with Blue Peter badges go free with a full paying adult – simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option when booking online in advance and be sure to have your badge with you on the day.

    Children with Scotrail 'kids for a quid' ticket are also free with a full paying adult – simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option when booking online in advance and be sure to have the Scotrail ticket with you and valid for the same day.

    Please note that for both Blue Peter badges and Scotrail ticket offers, that it applies to one child per paying adult who is present at the time of visiting.  

  • Do you offer military or NHS discounts?

    Though we do not offer military discounts, we do sometimes offer discounts for NHS staff through nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk for special events and off-peak visiting times.

    We do also have a corporate rate which is sometimes organised directly with individual NHS Trusts and can be accessed through the NHS staff portal - if you’re not sure how to access this or cannot find a deal with Edinburgh Zoo through your Trust, we’d recommend asking your team directly as our team aren’t able to see into the portal.

  • I have a voucher or prepaid ticket, how do I book?

    The prepaid ticket options on our website can be used to book tickets if you have admission vouchers, postponed tickets or corporate tickets. You can also use this option if you are a member at one of our reciprocal zoos.

    Please choose the relevant ticket type and be prepared to show your advanced booking confirmation alongside proof of any memberships or prepaid tickets on arrival.

    Children with Blue Peter badges go free with a full paying adult – simply select the 'prepaid child' ticket option and be sure to have your badge with you on the day.

    Book tickets

     

  • I need to change my ticket dates, is this possible?

    If you need to change the date of your visit, please email info@rzss.org.uk with your booking details with as much notice as possible. Our small team work very hard to get back to everyone as quickly as they can but this could take up to 72 hours at the moment.

    We will of course rearrange your visit to a day with availability if you need to self-isolate or have another emergency and really appreciate your patience - do not worry if you do not receive a reply before your original booked date.

    If we need to close the zoo or cancel an event for any reason, including extreme weather or a change in government restrictions, we will contact all pre-booked ticket holders by email and offer refunds or gift vouchers.

    Please note: it may not be possible to rearrange your visit to a date that is already fully booked.

  • I got an error message when booking or didn't receive a confirmation email, what should I do?

    We are very sorry if you've had trouble booking tickets online - occasionally our charity's website gets a little overwhelmed and needs some support. Please be assured that we are on the case!

    In the meantime, if you see an error message instead of a confirmation page, or do not receive a confirmation email, please check if the payment has come out of your bank account before trying again – if needed, we will accept this as proof of payment for entry into the park and you do not need to email us to arrange this.

    Refunds for accidental multiple payments can be requested by emailing your request with your full name and the last four digits of the payment card number to info@rzss.org.uk. These will be paid as soon as possible.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding.

  • Entry Terms and Conditions

    In order for you to make the most of your day and in the interests of safety we would like to advise you of our entry terms and conditions which can be found here.

Travel and weather

  • Can I use public transport to get to the zoo?

    Yes - you can arrive in style on one of the regular zoo-themed Lothian Buses. Service numbers 12, 26 and 31 will drop you right at our doorstep and back into city centre! Lothian buses website and app are kept up to date with any changes to services.

    Remember, Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and host to a wide range of events throughout the year which can mean roads and public transport are disrupted. Please plan ahead and check Traffic Scotland.

    Remember we only have limited car parking spaces available - parking is free for RZSS members and blue badge holders and £3 for zoo visitors. Everyone needs to take a ticket at the barriers and have this validate to leave without paying full price (£10).

  • Can I use the car park?

    We are a city zoo, so parking spaces are very limited and only available on a first come, first served basis. Our car park is very popular and filling up early in the day (before 11am during school holidays and sunny weekends).

    All car park users (apart from RZSS members who can continue to park for free as part of their membership benefits) will need to take a ticket from the barriers on arrival and have this validated to exit the car park without paying full price (£10) at the machine. Parking for zoo visitors is £3.

    Travelling by bus is highly recommended where possible and our partners at Lothian Buses can drop you off right outside our gates with their regular services from the city centre (including Waverly and Haymarket train station) and surrounding areas.

    We also have a handy webpage with information about alternative parking at edz.org.uk/park

  • Will severe weather affect our visit?

    Sometimes! We always do everything we can to stay open and welcome you to the zoo, but extreme weather can take this decision out of our hands (and paws...) and mean closing parts of the park to visitors for everyone's safety.

    We will always email all pre-booked ticket holders and update our website and social media channels if we had to close or make significant changes in the park.

    Tickets for daytime visits and events are only refundable if the zoo has to close or an event is cancelled, but we understand you may need to rearrange your visit if extreme weather means travelling is unsafe, or if you have an emergency.

    If you need to change the date of your visit, please email info@rzss.org.uk with your booking details with as much notice as possible. Our small team work very hard to get back to everyone as quickly as they can but this could take up to 48 hours.

    We will of course rearrange your visit to a day with availability if you have an emergency and really appreciate your patience - do not worry if you do not receive a reply before your original booked date.

During your visit

  • Is everything open as normal?

    While most of the zoo is otherwise open to visitors, there are some exceptions:

    • Our lemur walkthroughs will remain closed for now as primates have an increased risk from Covid-19
    • The penguin parade is also still postponed for the time being due to the risks of avian flu in the UK
    • Our monkey house is closed for development, but you can spot our primates in their outdoor areas, with other cheeky monkey species throughout the zoo too!

    Sometimes we have to close viewing for an animal at short notice for their wellbeing or check ups by our expert vets and keepers.

    Although we will always do our best to help visitors see as many of our animals as possible, they may well decide to go for a nap or some quiet time in a hidden area (just like some humans we know!).

    Our top tip is to go back to different animals at different times of the day to give yourself the best chance of spotting them all out and about.

  • Can I bring a picnic?

    Yes! As always, you are welcome to bring a picnic with your own food and non-alcoholic drink.

    There are picnic tables available and we simply ask that you remember to take your rubbish away with you with consideration for our other visitors and the safety of our animals (our penguins will try and eat just about anything that blows into their pool!).

  • Are the mobility vehicle and other accessibility services running?

    Our free mobility vehicles are available for those who may need a little extra help navigating our hills - please ask our admission team on arrival for more information.

    Wheelchairs are also available for hire on a first come first served basis. Our electric mobility scooter service is currently unavailable.

    Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes and there is an updated mobility map available for visitors.

  • Where can I see Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo?

    Our triceraTOP TIP this year is to explore our new Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo exhibition at the top of the hill - FREE with normal entry (and well worth the climb or short wait for our mobility vehicle!) 🦖

    Find out more about these incredible prehistoric giants who'll be with us for two years at edinburghzoo.org.uk/dinosaurs

RZSS members and adopters

  • Do members have to book in advance?

    RZSS members and their accompanied guests no longer have to book in advance for visits to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

    As usual, RZSS members must accompany guests who can pay for admission on the gate – please sign up for member emails for the latest updates. 

    If you are a member of a reciprocal zoo, you still need to book a time slot online in advance – please use the prepaid ticket options and bring along your proof of membership on the day.

  • Can we use the members gate?

    Our members gate is normally open from 10am between 1 April – 30 September, and during Edinburgh school holidays and weekends, with the gate closing one hour before the zoo closing time. 

    We have signs on the entry to the car park to let everyone know of any changes. Please check by the car park barriers before going up the hill.

    When the gate is closed, please enter through our main admissions building – RZSS members and their guests do not need to book in advance.

  • Can we bring guests?

    Yes – you can bring guests and buy their tickets for a discounted rate on the door as you arrive. 

    Guests do not need to book in advance but members must be present when their guests enter the zoo and all non-members, apart from blue badge holders, will need to pay £3 for car parking.

  • How do I check the status of my membership or renew?

    To check the status of your membership, or to restart/renew your membership, please contact membership@rzss.org.uk.

    We are receiving LOTS of messages and will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.

  • I don't have a membership card, what do I do?

    If you haven’t received a card yet, please don’t worry – your confirmation email or letter together with a valid form of photo ID is all the proof we need.

    If you would like another confirmation sent to you, please contact membership@rzss.org.uk.

  • Can I become a member?

    Yes! You can join us as a member online now. You will receive a confirmation email straight away which you can then use as proof of membership when visiting.

    Visited our parks recently? Sign up for membership within 14 days of your visit and have your tickets refunded. Contact the membership team for details.

  • When will my new membership start?

    If you sign up for membership online, then your membership will start the day you sign up unless it is a gift and you have specified another date.

    If you would like to sign up and pay by direct debit, please contact the membership team on membership@rzss.org.uk and you can specify when you would like your membership to start.

    Any RZSS member with confirmation of membership is welcome to visit Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park without booking in advance. Before you have your membership card, you will need to show confirmation of membership and a valid form of photo ID on arrival.

  • I’m an adopter and I get free tickets as part of my adoption, what do I do?

    If you have not yet received your adoption pack in the post, please email membership@rzss.org.uk with your details. They can send e-tickets across to your inbox for you to use and will get your exciting adoption pack to you as soon as possible.

    If you are a silver, gold or platinum adopter, we would also recommend sending an email when you have booked your visit, so that we can ensure your name is up on the adoption sign.

Animals, experiences and events

  • Can we have more animal webcams?
    There are a limited number of webcam streams our charity can run at once, but we try to keep a variety of different animals on view!
    Thank you to everyone who helps to support this free service we provide to help more people access nature from their homes and schools.
  • Where can I see Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo?

    Our triceraTOP TIP this year is to explore our new Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo exhibition at the top of the hill - FREE with normal entry (and well worth the climb or short wait for our mobility vehicle!) 🦖

    Find out more about these incredible prehistoric giants who'll be with us for two years at edinburghzoo.org.uk/dinosaurs

  • What events are happening at the zoo?

    We host a range of events throughout the year from crafting and markets, to Halloween and Christmas celebrations.

    Browse our full calendar of events at edinburghzoo.org.uk/events/.

Membership

Support Us

Have another question?

Please bear with us (pun always intended) - we are receiving LOTS of messages and emails and get back to everyone as quickly as we can.

Like many other organisations, we are working with a smaller team at the moment and will not be able to answer phone calls at this time.

We really appreciate your support and patience and kindly ask that you read all of the information available above before getting in touch.

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