Scotland
Scotland's most visited wildlife attraction, home to the UK's only giant pandas.
Edinburgh Zoo's red panda Bruce underwent general anaesthesia for a health check after keepers noticed he was off his food, and vets discovered and removed a problematic tooth. The male red panda received a full-body examination and was given a clean bill of health, and has since returned to his normal activities in his habitat.
FeaturedPiper, a one-month-old pygmy hippopotamus born at Edinburgh Zoo, has begun exploring her outdoor habitat under supervision from her mother Gloria. Keepers are gradually increasing her outdoor time as the internet-famous calf becomes more confident and curious about her surroundings.
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Edinburgh Zoo's popular Giant Lanterns after-dark experience returns for winter 2026–27 with a space-themed trail running 60 nights from 13 November 2026 to 21 February 2027. The immersive display features over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns, 15,000 LED lights, walk-through planets, and illuminated wildlife sculptures, with ticket proceeds supporting RZSS conservation work.
Major General Sir Nils Olav, a King Penguin at Edinburgh Zoo, holds the world's highest-ranking animal title and serves as military mascot for the Norwegian King's Guard. The penguin has progressed through military ranks since 1982, receiving his Major General promotion in 2023 with approval from King Harald V of Norway.
FeaturedPygmy hippo Piper, born three weeks ago at Edinburgh Zoo, has explored the pool for the first time, following her mother Gloria into the water. The calf gained confidence to swim independently before returning to her mother's side.
FeaturedA king penguin egg has been laid at Edinburgh Zoo by female Connie, fathered by the world's highest-ranking penguin Major General Sir Nils Olav, marking Scotland's first king penguin egg in 17 years. The egg was laid on 14 August and will take approximately 55 days to hatch, with both parents taking shifts to keep it warm on their feet.
FeaturedTwo-week-old Piper the pygmy hippo is now visible to visitors at Edinburgh Zoo as she explores her indoor habitat with her mother Gloria. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland opened the Hippo House to the public following successful trial openings, with keepers noting the calf's growing confidence.
FeaturedA health check at Edinburgh Zoo has revealed that three-month-old Snoot, a giant anteater, is male. Keepers were able to safely examine him for the first time as he spends increasing periods away from his mother Gizmo.
FeaturedEdinburgh Zoo's pygmy hippo Piper was born on 31 July to parents Otto and Gloria and weighed just under 5.5 kilos at her first health check. The female calf was named after keepers observed her making cute huffing and puffing sounds, and she is currently bonding with her mother Gloria.
FeaturedA pygmy hippo calf was born on 31 July 2026 to parents Otto and Gloria at Edinburgh Zoo. The youngster is being cared for by Gloria, with the zoo keeping the pair in private time until they are ready for public viewing.
FeaturedPygmy hippo Gloria at Edinburgh Zoo has been confirmed pregnant, with veterinary staff predicting the calf will be born in August. This will be Gloria's first offspring since 2024, when she gave birth to Haggis, who became an internet sensation.
FeaturedBru, a young capybara at Edinburgh Zoo, has passed his recent health check and now weighs 7 kg, equivalent to 19 cans of IRN-BRU. The capybara's name was chosen by the public in a social media vote, and footage shows him eagerly investigating the iconic Scottish drink cans during his weigh-in.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed capybara pup Bru as part of the zoo's bumper baby boom this year. The young capybara is among several new arrivals now available for visitors to see.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed giant anteater Snoot, contributing to the zoo's record baby boom year. The young anteater is among the new arrivals visitors can meet during behind-the-scenes experiences.
Edinburgh Zoo is running a prize draw offering one winner and three guests a behind-the-scenes tour led by RZSS chief executive David Field, including lunch and an overnight stay. Tickets cost £5 each, with proceeds supporting the Saving Wildcats conservation project.
FeaturedEdinburgh Zoo has welcomed Atty, Scotland's first Linné's two-toed sloth born in captivity at the facility. The birth is part of a significant baby boom year at the zoo and highlights the institution's breeding success.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is leading the Saving Wildcats project to reintroduce wildcats to the Scottish Highlands. Proceeds from the Edinburgh Zoo prize draw will support this conservation initiative.
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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is inviting the public to share their fondest memories of Edinburgh Zoo as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, with Memories Week running from 13–21 June. The initiative aims to preserve personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia that document the zoo's history since its opening in 1913.