About
Edinburgh Zoo is one of Europe's leading centres of conservation, education and research. Our mission is'to inspire and excite our visitors with the wonder of living animals, and so to promote the conservation of threatened species and habitats'

We work collectively with many other zoos and conservation agencies in the UK, Europe and around the world in co-ordinated Conservation programmes, to help ensure the survival of many threatened animal species. We also support various conservation projects in the wild through funding and expertise. Our extensive Education programme aims to raise awareness and understanding of the fragility of life on this planet, and our responsibility to help care for it. And we also support a range of targeted Research projects which are designed to enhance our understanding of animals' behavioural and physiological needs, with many useful consequences for conservation in the wild.

Set in 82 acres of sloping parkland, the Zoo is situated three miles to the west of Edinburgh city centre.  Apart from getting close to over 1,000 rare and beautiful animals there are many different ways to enjoy your day out.  You can enjoy a full range of eating experiences, several play areas, a fantastic gift shop, free hilltop safari rides and a busy programme of events and activities - ranging from keeper talks through to hands-on animal encounters.

Facalities

Gift shops   
 
Our fabulous gift shop offers thousands of lovely gift ideas.  Whether you’re looking for a memento of your visit, or a gift for a special occasion, we have something for you!

Our soft toy collection is probably the best in Scotland.  Animals can also be found in plastic, bronze, ceramics and wood.  Not surprisingly many of our gifts are animal-related from jewellery through to childrens' pyjamas.  We also offer an environmentally sustainable range of beautiful gifts such as Fair Trade.

Picnic areas   
 
Whatever the weather, it’s fun to eat outdoors, so we’ve provided lots of benches and picnic areas to allow you to do just that.  Benches are dotted throughout the park, and the three main picnic areas are:

at the hilltop, located near a children’s play area
in front of the Mansion House, with a large lawn area for relaxing
on the terrace overlooking the maze

Children's play areas   
       
There are several play areas around the park, designed to allow your little monkeys to have fun in a safe environment.

Cafes   
 
Two large self-service cafeterias will cater for all your eating pleasure!

Stripes, situated next to the Mansion House, offers substantial meals like chicken, haddock and Cumberland sausages, all served with salad and your choice of either chips or mashed potato. Baked potatoes with a wide selection of fillings, and freshly made pasta or pizza meals are also popular. We have recently also introduced paninis with various fillings which have been a great hit with our visitors. Prices start at £2.50 for a bowl of delicious home made soup and a buttered roll.

Admission prices 2006 (valid until 31 March 2007)

Adult                                                       £10.00*

Child 3 - 14 years                                    £7.00*

Child (Under 3)                                        FREE

Concession                                              £7.50*

Family Tickets

2 Adults + 2 Children                                £32.00*

2 Adults + 3 Children                                £35.50*

Discount Party (10 or more paying visitors)

Adults                                                       £8.00*

Child 3 - 14 years                                     £5.60*

Child (Under 3)                                         FREE

Concession (proof required)                      £6.00*

Members’Guests

Adults                                                       £7.50*

Child / Concessions                                  £5.50*

Please note that admission prices include a voluntary donation to support our Budongo chimpanzee project.

Parking

Car Park                                                 £2.00

Members                                                Free

Coaches                                                 £20.00

(or free by arrangement)

Please note that for Health and Safety reasons children aged 14 or under must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 17 or over at all times. For the safety of other visitors and our animals, we reserve the right to refuse admission to any visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

We are open every day of the year - even Christmas Day! - from 9.00am. We close at the following times:

April - September 6.00pm 
October and March 5.00pm
November - February 4:30pm

Please note that our animal houses close 15 minutes prior to these times.