13/8/2010 5 photos

I absolutely loveeeee the Zoo!

The last time I visited Edinburgh Zoo, I must have been around 4 or 5. Therefore, the memory is rather hazy, so I decided to take my Nieces aged 5-12 to the zoo and re-live a bit of my childhood whilst I was at it.

First of all, the zoo is easily accessible from Edinburgh Heymarket Train Station by catching one of the many buses which take around 10 minutes (get the £3 all day ticket, if your coming back to the station or going into City centre) When we arrived at the zoo, the queue was around the building and that was at about 11am, and as we hadn't pre-paid tickets we had to wait. It didn't take too long at all, and the staff split us into 3 queues for quickness.

It costs around £15 for an adult entry to the zoo, however, we had taken advantage of the Scotrail 'Kids Go Free' train ticket offer, which meant if the two of us paid full price then the two kids would get into the zoo free. After a small disagreement (the Scotrail site said that one paying adult could get two kids in free as I wanted to use my student card, but when we got there, we were told that both of us had to pay full price) we got our wee map of the zoo and headed off to explore.

We waited on the Hilltop Safari bus which takes you to the top of the zoo with commentary from one of the zoo keepers, but we would have had to wait another half an hour on it so we decided to walk. Big Mistake!

It is so high up on the hill, my legs were aching! We really enjoyed looking at all of the animals and got lucky because most of them were out and walking around their enclosures. We stopped for a quick, very unhealthy lunch at the Jungle Cafe, which consisted of hotdogs, chips and pizza, and cost a small fortune. That's the only problem with the zoo, everything is so expensive! Even the kids activities dotted around the zoo like bouncy castles cost a couple of quid and if you have a few kiddies with you, it would cost a bomb.

Highlights were;

-Rainbow Landings, an aviary enclosure which you can walk through. If you buy a wee pot of nectar from the desk at £1 each, you can have them land on your arm! My boyfriend and I loved it, the kids were absolutely terrified!

-Living Links research centre. In association with St Andrew's University, the zoologists study monkeys like the adorable Capuchin monkeys in their own indoor enclosures, although they also have a large outdoor area to mingle in.

-Amur Leopard. It was so close to the glass it was almost licking our faces!

The animals are absolutely fantastic and they have a huge range of birds and monkeys. The only disappointment was that the lions were no where to be found! We walked all the way to the top of the hill to find them and they weren't there, loads of people were complaining, especially mum's who trundled up there laden with buggies and backpacks and screaming 4 year olds.

We must have missed the penguin parade in our hunt for these elusive lions but they were all out in the enclosure so it was great to see them. There are plenty of seats and play areas for the kids to stop at when the old legs get wearing, and lots of vending machines for juice and ice-cream dotted around, as well as cafes and a big Mansion restaurant.

We had an awesome day, spending about 3 and a half hours in there, and we could probably have spent more. A great day out, but be warned that it will cost you so look for vouchers and money off coupons wherever you can!

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19/7/2010

How could anyone review the attractions of Edinburgh and not talk about the Zoo. This place was my day out of choice when I was a kid. And I have some of my oldest memories here, running about daft with my dad chasing after me, and trying ever so hard not to join in with the Penguin parade. The Zoo has a special place in everyone's heart that visited here as a kid.

So now when you go back as an adult, not much has changed, except the price! Expect to pay through the nose for a day out here with the family. I was always a huge Hippopotamus fan when I was young, or as I used to call them, 'Hippomapotamus'.  And the monkeys are always a winner. With the icing on the cake being, of course, the Penguin parade. Make sure you get to see this spectacle and the kids will undoubtedly love it. Go during the spring/summer and you will get to see the baby Penguins finding their feet as they get their daily wander around the Zoo. Excellent.

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6/7/2010

This is a slightly difficult review to write, because as enjoyable as it is seeing over 1,000 different species in the one, admittedly large space, it always plays on my mind that it is captivity, even if the animals are amazingly well looked after and not cruelly treated.

However, on the other hand, a zoo this size, with such an array of wildlife, has huge educational value for anyone visiting it, and in turn teaches people the importance of conserving every different type of species. If people can't come to a space like this and observe how amazing and impressive nature can be, and how crucial it is to look after the natural world, then that could mean less awareness, and more disregard towards the plight of endangered animals.

With the serious part over, if you are visiting the zoo, there is a lot to see, so give yourself a good part of the day to survey everything. The zoo is the largest in Scotland, and set out over acres of parkland in the Corstorphine area. There's obviously tons of awesome species to have a peek at, but I adore the wee fairy penguins the most, plus you can't beat looking up at a giraffe, and wondering how long it took, in an evolutionary sense, for their necks to become that long.

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5/7/2010

I guess I'm going to title my reviews "From Pittsburgh to Edinburgh".  I'm doing this review in our hotel's business center after a heavy morning of touring Edinburgh.  I visited this zoo on July 2nd.  I was recuperating after an overnight flight from Pittsburgh.  International flying takes a toll on my body, so while my husband was out sightseeing on his own, I took a day of rest & relaxation.  I felt better by the afternoon and strolled over to the zoo.  It's just down the block from our hotel.

I'd rate this zoo somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars.  The thing to remember about this zoo is it's built on several levels.  If you use a wheelchair or a rascal (motorized scooter) or you're not a good walker, you may have trouble navigating around here.  The map http://www.edinburghzo... shows the many steep slopes and stairs here.  

So since I've visited many zoos before (the National Zoo in Washington, DC; Chicago's Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo, Pittsburgh's Zoo, etc), what makes this one so different?  Well for one thing, this zoo has a lot of educational talks and presentations.  I arrived in time for the Penguin Parade and Talk and I also went to the Indian Rhinos talk.  Yeah, I know it's a cliche, but penguins are funny little birds and it was hilarious watching them parade down the sidewalk.  

Some of the other attractions include the Budongo Trail, an interactive chimpanzee enclosure, and the only koalas in the United Kingdom.  I think my two favorites however are the Animal Antics show and the Rainbow Landings where I got the chance interact with the rainbow lorikeet birds.

The zoo was a perfect low key way to recuperate from jetlag. Based on what Sam C. says, I'm glad I ate lunch at the hotel.  Just be sure to wear your walking shoes (you really don't want to be in flip-flops here!) and comfortable clothes.  And be prepared to do a lot of hill and stair climbing!

Listed in: Trip to U.K.

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5/6/2010 12 photos

I absolutely love wild, dangerous animals, so you would think that I'd love the zoo. Unfortunately though, if I wanted to see a lion, I'd want to see him in the Serengeti, tearing a zebra to shreds. I don't want to see him sitting bored out his mind in a cramped pen, wondering why all these big bald apes are staring at him like a freakshow.

I understand that Edinburgh Zoo is quite well renowned for it's conservation work and contributions to zoological science, but it's still very sad to see such majestic beasts in this situation.

The zoo was however inadvertently responsible for one of the most touching news stories I've seen in recent times concerning their polar bear Mercedes, who was recently moved up north to the Highland Wildlife Park for her retirement. She hadn't seen proper snow for 25 years, until last winter when about two feet's worth fell on her new home. Seeing the news pictures of her rolling about in it and generally having a fantastic time brought a tear to my eye, as it did to most of the staff at the park.

If only I could show such compassion to actual humans, instead of my usual unflinching contempt.

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6/6/2010 1 photo

I love my animals and the zoo for years now has made me go 'eeeeeeeeee' every time. Squirrel monkeys rock.

It's a tough one for me because I appreciate the amount of conservation work that the zoo does and when you hear the people who work there give talks etc, you can see that it's not about making money. These people genuinely care about the animals they look after. I was glad to see the polar moved recently though to a highland park, it's just a shame they can't do the same for many of the big cats. They look like they should be on suicide watch, it's heart breaking.
On a upside there are penguins! Yeeey penguins! Who are very cute and silly and make the penguin parade a highlight of your zoo visit.

Its's a huge park so use your map wisely if you want to see everything. And if it's sunny, then take water! All that walking really takes it out of you.

It's a great visit and a good day out for kids. Or indeed the 30 strong group I was with the other day!

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14/6/2010

I expected to wander round Edinburgh Zoo with the same cheery, jovial attitude I applied to such attractions as a child. For the most part, the Zoo unearthed these qualities but staring through the glass cages at these poor isolated beasts was now slightly unnerving as an adult.

Nonetheless, hilarious penguins, intimidating lions, some mischievous monkeys amidst many other attractions ensured a good day was had by all.

Bring your own lunch though; the on-sight cafe is utter crap.

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4/5/2010 1 photo

Ok, Ok - I admit, the first time I came to Edinburgh Zoo was only a few months ago, so no stories of fond childhood memories and school trips for me. Just a 20 year old reviewing a zoo.

Firstly, let me suggest that you come here on a nice day - about five minutes after we arrived the heavens opened and then promptly closed again as we left. Typical - but, it genuinly didnt ruin our enjoyment of the zoo - because its really really great.

There is a huge amount of animals spread out over an even larger area of land (most of it up a hill) and for those of you who get concerned about this sort of stuff - all the animals look happy and content with thier surroundings, and generally dont even give a second glance to the vast amounts of people who stare at them on a daily basis.

Highlights include the african Jaguar (not the car), the beautiful Mercedes the Polar Bear (again, not a car) and the penguin parade (definatly not a car). Costs for getting into the zoo may seem a little steep, but some of that money goes to the up keep of these animals, so its worth it a million times over.

All the animals here are amazing, and the zoo provides excellent educational resources, which were a treat as they really focussed on the conservation of these rare animals in the wild - something which I felt rather emotional about.

Overall, a great day - really, but get a nice dry day to do it in.

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28/3/2010 4 photos

Ok people why is there only one review for Edinburgh Zoo? Everybody knows Edinburgh is all about the castle, the festival, the dungeons and the zoo, with its infamous Penguin Parade!

One of my favorite attractions at the zoo is Budongo Trail which is where they keep the chimps. It is a huge outdoor and indoor enclosure with lots of ropes and wooden platforms for the chimps to play on in the outdoors section and a viewing gallery indoors where there is only a sheet of glass between you and these gorgeous creatures. Unfortunately they had to close the reptile enclosure to make way for Budongo Trail which is a shame as it was a hit with the kids, but hey everybody loves chimps' right?

Another winner is Rainbow Landing where you can buy some nectar to feed the beautiful rainbow lorikeets which happily come and perch on you as long as you have a cup of the sweet stuff!

The Animal Antics show is always good fun and has been different every time I've seen it. It mostly consists of birds of prey doing some cool stuff and the presenters always pick a few kids from the audience to help out.

One of the first enclosures you come across at the zoo is the sea lions. There is a sea lion show on at various times throughout the day but even if you can't make this the sea lions are always entertaining to watch as they are so playful.

The Hilltop Safari is a great way to see the zoo and is particularly good for anyone with mobility issues as the zoo is on a huge slope which is really steep in parts. In the Hilltop Safari you climb aboard what looks like a milk float being pulled by a jeep and the driver gives a running commentary of the animals you pass and tells you lots of interesting tit bits about them.

If you get peckish you can visit the The Bistro in New Mansion for some fancy smancy food or alternatively you could dine in the Mansion House Bar which is more a sort of soup and sandwiches affair or you could go for the afternoon tea for two for £16! However if you have your little toe rags with you then your best bet is the Jungle Café where there is a soft play area and the food is more school canteen style with pizzas and baked potatoes.

Last but most definitely not least is the Penguin Parade! As you would learn if you went to the parade it has been taking place at the zoo every day since 1951 when a keeper accidently left the enclosure door open and the penguins went for a little walk around but then just went back in the enclosure! The zoo has the largest penguin pool in the world and you could literally spend a good hour watching these little guys.

Finally Edinburgh Zoo is open every single day of the year, even Christmas Day so you have no excuse not to visit!

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21/4/2010 5 photos

The Edinburgh Zoo is easy to get to by bus (the Lothian Buses 12 The Jewel, 26 Tranent-Clerwood ,31Polton-East Crags,48 Ingliston Park and Ride and 100 Airlink leave from the centre quite frequently). Avoid on weekends because it's crowded by families and  screaming children so everywhere is packed and there are large ques. They also bang on the animal cages to "make them do something." I hate that. And I think the animals do too.

I came here for my course and truly enjoyed this sunny outing, even though I haven't really decided if I am a fan of zoos or not. Edinburgh zoo boasts a huge selection of species. It has a lot of penguins , including a knighted penguin of Norway (a King penguin named Sir Nil Olav who was awarded an honorary colonel-in-chief of the Kings Guard in the Norwegian army, and was knighted in 2008- its true there's even a statue of him!). I still don't know why they did this but the video of him being knighted and walking down a red carpet is hilarious. Speaking of walking ,some penguins go for a walk at particular times of the day(check their website for more details!). Feeding time is also quite amusing to watch. All in all the penguins seem very happy.

Not so much their lonely polar but I read yesterday that there are plans for cheering him up by finding him a girl bear friend. Yay!
Amongst the many animals you can see here (from koalas to large cats to reptiles and bats) I would suggest reading up a bit about one particular resident: the honey badger- Personally I am absolutely fascinated by this tough creature- one of the toughest in the world who sadly gets overshadowed in the zoo by his pretty cat neighbour.
Also, make sure you check out the new Budongo Trail, which hosts a variety of our closest relatives, the primates, and is an educational experience for all ages.

So as for a conclusion regarding zoos, I have yet to come to one. Edinburgh zoo does seem to be making the effort though to keep its standards high and its residents as happy as possible, and it definitely is a fun outing to make.

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30/3/2010

Edinburgh Zoo has everything you want/need in a zoo. It is a fantastic day out (providing the weather cooperates) and will definitely keep you entertained for the day. Its slap bang in the middle of Corstorphine, about 15 minutes from the city centre. Jump on the 26 bus and it stops right outside.

I have fond memories of coming here on school trips when I was a kid, and now I am an even bigger kid I still like an excuse to go. One of the highlights of the zoo is the Penguin Parade, which usually happens around 1 o'clock. It does what it says on the tin, the penguins come out of the enclosure for a march around the perimeter. Its entertaining and it is humorous to see animals misbehave as there is always at least one trying to escape!  

There is plenty more to see. The Budongo Trail is a fairly new enclosure for the chimps which has viewing areas in every possible position so you don't miss a thing. There is an outdoor section with ropes and platforms where the chimps play with each other, I could sit for hours watching them. Its a really interesting enclosure and is a step up from your standard cage.

The selection of animals is like you would find in any zoo: from Lions to Porcupines and Zebras to Sea Lions. Note that the Polar Bear was moved up to Aviemore last year after 25 years at the zoo.

There is plenty of little food stalls and cafes selling ice creams, snacks, tea, coffee etc but these places are usually pretty overpriced. I recommend bringing a picnic and eating in one of the many picnic areas- again if the weather cooperates. On the way out, the gift shop is bound to catch your eye and your pennies. Its well worth the visit.

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8/1/2009 1 photo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city and its easy to see why. This place brings back so many happy memories for me. Both when I was a child when I used to come here on school trips and now as an adult when I bring my daughter. We both love Edinburgh Zoo. Its an awesome day out and good exercise too !!!

Here are just a few of my favorite attractions:-

Amur leopards
Asiatic lions
Black howler monkeys
Buff-cheeked gibbons
Chimpanzees
Rhinos
Zebras
Jaguars
Owl faced monkeys
Sea-lions
Polar bears
Hippos
Squirrel monkeys
Sumatran tigers
European beaver  ;)
Amur tigers
Reindeer
Wild boars
Wildcats
Wolves
Yaks
& of course the red titi monkey !!!

There's a ton of stuff for the kids to learn too.
All in all, a great family day out.

PS: Lets not forget about the daily "Penguin Parade" too. Get a chance to see penguins up closer than ever before !!!

:)

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