Eighty-Two Acres of Global Wildlife Conservation on Corstorphine Hill
Founded in 1913 by visionary Edinburgh lawyer Thomas Hailing Gillespie and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo was conceived on radically enlightened principles. Rather than incarcerating creatures in Victorian iron cages, Gillespie envisioned vast open-air paddocks, terraced ditches, and immersive moated habitats integrated directly into the ancient woodland slopes of Corstorphine Hill.
From its earliest decades, the park forged an extraordinary relationship with Antarctic seabirds. In January 1914, Scottish-Norwegian whaling magnate Christian Salvesen brought three king penguins from South Georgia directly to the Firth of Forth. Five years later, in 1919, Edinburgh celebrated the first captive king penguin chick ever hatched in human history. That historic breakthrough blossomed into the creation of Penguins Rock—Europe's largest outdoor penguin pool—and the world-famous voluntary daily Penguin Parade.
Today, Edinburgh Zoo stands as an international powerhouse for wildlife genetics, animal behavior studies, and habitat reintroduction. In partnership with the University of St Andrews, the Budongo Trail hosts ground-breaking cognitive research exploring chimpanzee communication, while field rangers in Uganda safeguard wild troops against illegal wire snares. Closer to home, RZSS biologists lead the Highland Tiger initiative, actively restoring the critically endangered Scottish wildcat to the ancient forests of the Cairngorms.
Centenary Milestones & Royal Honours
RZSS Inception
Thomas Gillespie establishes the society under Royal Charter granted by King George V.
Accidental Parade
A keeper leaves a pen gate open, prompting gentoo penguins to follow him through the grounds.
Major General Nils
Sir Nils Olav III inspected 160 royal Norwegian guardsmen and was promoted to Major General.
Your Ticket Protects Wildlife
Every admission ticket directly funds global endangered species recovery: from Highland wildcat breeding in the Scottish Highlands to beaver restoration in Argyll and chimpanzee patrols in Uganda.
Signature Enclosures & Legendary Residents
Explore six world-renowned animal habitats representing cutting-edge animal welfare, rare genetics, and international conservation partnerships.
The World-Famous Daily Penguin Parade
Since 1951, gentoo, king, and Northern rockhopper penguins have voluntarily waddled out of their enclosure along a paved perimeter path outside Penguins Rock. Keepers open the enclosure gate, allowing the birds to choose whether they wish to take an afternoon promenade alongside delighted onlookers.
The parade began purely by accident in 1951 when a keeper inadvertently left a gate ajar and a small party of gentoo penguins marched after him. Because participation is entirely voluntary, birds only walk when they choose to do so.
Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and successfully breed penguins in 1919, establishing a globally pioneering seabird conservation program.
Major General Sir Nils Olav III (Brigadier King Penguin)
The most distinguished avian military officer in the world. Since 1972, the Norwegian King's Guard (Hans Majestet Kongens Garde) has adopted an Edinburgh Zoo king penguin as its mascot. In August 2023, Sir Nils Olav III was officially promoted to Major General during an inspection of 160 uniformed guardsmen.
Look for the king penguin with the gleaming silver and enamel regimental insignia attached to his right flipper band.
A living symbol of the historic ties between Norway and Scotland dating from when Norwegian shipping magnate Christian Salvesen presented Edinburgh Zoo with its first king penguins.
Penguins Rock (Europe's Largest Outdoor Penguin Pool)
A 65-metre-long pool holding 1.2 million litres of fresh water, complete with diving ledges, pebbled beaches, and underwater viewing glass panels. Visitors can watch king penguins slice through the water at speeds up to 20 miles per hour like torpedoes.
Underwater viewing windows are located along the lower perimeter path; stand here right after keeper feed talks to watch underwater foraging agility.
Provides world-class environmental enrichment and realistic coastal conditions for three distinct sub-Antarctic penguin species.
The Budongo Trail Chimpanzee Research Complex
An innovative conservation facility combining expansive pod enclosures, climbing ropes, outdoor forest browsing areas, and an interactive cognitive research laboratory operated in partnership with the University of St Andrews.
Watch the chimpanzees interact with touchscreen research panels: their working memory and reaction speeds during number-sequencing challenges regularly outperform adult humans.
Named after Uganda's Budongo Forest Reserve, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland directly funds chimpanzee habitat conservation and anti-poaching snare patrols in Africa.
Koala Territory (Scotland's Exclusive Marsupials)
The only place in the United Kingdom where visitors can observe Southern and Queensland koalas. Set within temperature-controlled, eucalyptus-scented indoor enclosures and outdoor sun gardens, the habitat supports the international breeding studbook.
Fresh branches of specialized eucalyptus are flown in weekly from dedicated plantations in Cornwall and the Netherlands to satisfy their meticulous dietary requirements.
Edinburgh Zoo plays an indispensable role in safeguarding Australian wildlife genetics outside Oceania against intensifying bushfire threats.
Nubian Giraffe High-Rise House & Hillside Outlook
Opened in 2021, this state-of-the-art house shelters a herd of critically endangered Nubian giraffes. Elevated boardwalk platforms let visitors stand eye-to-eye with the towering giants while admiring panoramic vistas spanning the Pentland Hills.
The facility features heated soft floors, indoor browsing poles, and outdoor hillside pasture designed to encourage natural browsing posture.
Nubian giraffes are among the rarest subspecies on Earth, with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild across Central Africa.
Five Distinct Hillside Zones
Ascending from the Corstorphine Road valley floor to the native pine summits. Each sector represents a specialized biological biome and landscape tier.
Lower Plaza & Penguins Rock
Sub-Antarctic Seabirds & Welcome HubThe primary arrival plaza featuring the world's most famous penguin enclosure, underwater viewing corridors, and access to the hilltop safari shuttle.
- Penguins Rock 65-metre outdoor diving pool
- Daily Penguin Parade route and viewing gallery
- Sir Nils Olav III regimental station
- Main Visitor Centre, lockers, and gift shop
Mansion House Gardens & Marsupials
Historic Estate & Australian EnclosuresCentered around the historic 18th-century country residence. Here you find temperature-monitored marsupial enclosures, creeping reptiles, and rare botanical plantings.
- Scotland's exclusive Queensland Koala Territory
- 1793 Georgian Corstorphine Mansion House
- Formal herbaceous borders and botanical trees
- Wee Beasties invertebrate discovery gallery
The Living Links & Primate Woods
Evolutionary Biology & Tropical ForestsA wooded midpoint along the southern hillside. Watch international university researchers conduct non-invasive behavioral studies with inquisitive primates.
- Living Links to Human Evolution research centre
- Capuchin and squirrel monkey outdoor enclosures
- Sun bear forest canopy trail
- Asiatic lion natural amphitheatre
Budongo Trail & African Plains
Great Apes & Savanna GiantsOccupying the mid-to-upper ridge of Corstorphine Hill, this expansive zone showcases great ape welfare and sweeping panoramas across the Firth of Forth.
- Budongo Trail multi-pod chimpanzee complex
- University of St Andrews cognitive testing room
- Nubian giraffe elevated sky-walk deck
- Zebra and crowned crane savanna paddock
Hillside Heights & Native Woodlands
Highland Views & Montane WildlifeThe summit ridge of the zoo. Winding paths climb through Scots pine and birch woodland to present expansive highland views across Edinburgh.
- Sumatran tiger outdoor hillside forest
- Armayan leopard rocky crags
- Pygmy hippos and red pandas
- Panoramic hilltop viewpoint over the Pentland Hills
Tailored Walking Trails
Whether visiting with toddlers, seeking panoramic views of the Lothians, or avoiding inclement weather, follow these three optimized safari itineraries.
Family Wildlife Essentials Circuit
An accessible loop hitting headline animal species, interactive discovery rooms, and the daily penguin parade without strenuous uphill climbing.
Watch gentoo penguins torpedo through crystal-clear water.
Get up close with dart frogs, stick insects, and giant snails.
Arrive 15 minutes before 14:15 to secure front-row curbside spots.
See Australia's iconic marsupials munching fragrant eucalyptus.
Explore climbing ropes and observe chimpanzee tool usage.
Global Conservation & Science Expedition
A comprehensive uphill trek covering endangered breeding programs, cognitive research laboratories, and hilltop vistas spanning the Lothians.
Pay respects to the king penguin Brigadier of the Norwegian King's Guard.
Observe non-invasive primate behavioral experiments with St Andrews scientists.
Learn about RZSS anti-snare ranger patrols in Uganda's rain forests.
Eye-level feeding observations on the elevated hillside boardwalk.
Breathtaking panorama looking south towards Arthur's Seat and the Pentlands.
All-Weather Covered Pavilion Route
A comfortable indoor itinerary connecting the zoo's heated viewing houses, sensory exhibits, and historic mansions.
Dry subterranean glass windows viewing penguins diving below the surface.
Heated invertebrate and reptile discovery centre.
Warm eucalyptus-scented sanctuary featuring indoor koala trees.
Three glassed observation pods looking over the indoor climbing ropes.
Spacious covered viewing area inside the heated giraffe barn.
Planning Your Visit to Corstorphine Hill
Practical details on public transport, hill accessibility, weather preparation, dining facilities, and locker rentals.
Seasonal Opening Hours
Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. April to September: 10:00 – 18:00. October and March: 10:00 – 17:00. November to February: 10:00 – 16:30. Last entry is strictly 1 hour prior to park closure.
Direct Public Transit
Lothian Buses services 12, 26, 31, and the Airlink 100 stop directly outside the admissions pavilion. Buses run every few minutes from Princes Street and Haymarket Station (journey time approx 15 minutes).
Hilltop Safari Shuttle
A complimentary hop-on hop-off safari shuttle operates continually across the day between the lower entrance and upper hilltop exhibits, easing the 85-metre elevation climb for pushchairs and elderly guests.
Daily Keeper Talks
Catch informative animal presentations and feeding demonstrations throughout the day: Penguins (11:45 & 14:15), Chimpanzees (12:30), Koalas (13:15), and Giraffes (15:00).
Accessibility & Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters can be reserved in advance at the Visitor Centre. Paved paths connect all main houses; specialized accessible maps highlight gentle gradient routes.
Dining & Refreshments
The Grass Cafe and Penguins Cafe serve hot Scottish lunches, children's meal lunchboxes, and local bakery items. Ample outdoor wooden picnic benches are situated across the parkland lawns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential answers regarding the penguin parade, tickets, accessibility, animal welfare, and transit.