Nature at its best (Edinburgh Zoo)

Name: Donf18

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Edinburgh Zoo
Date:	10/09/06 (237 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to see and do

Disadvantages: expensive meals and gifts

On the 22nd of July 1913 Edinburgh Zoo was opened to the public for the very first time. As you can well imagine things have changed very much from these early days. The Zoo is owned by The Royal zoological Society of Scotland who purchased the site on which the Zoo stands for £17,000. It was not until much later in the late forties that the Society acquired the " Royal " status after a visit from HRH King George VI.

The society's original charter for the Zoo was to promote and encourage the study of Zoology and to educate the visitor in the ways of animal life. The fact that it has survived almost 100 years is testament itself to the quality of it's teach and the popularity of its inhabitants.

There are various events taking place over the span of each year so it is advisable to check out their website to see what is happening during the period when you intend to visit. It might mean delaying your trip for a few weeks but there are many interesting events and missing the opportunity to partake for the sake of a few weeks might be regretful.

Some of these activities involve interaction between the visitor and the animals and they are particularly popular with children who seem to have an ever ending fascination with the inhabitants.

The Zoo as the usual amenities such as Restaurants, Gift Shops and Children's play areas. As well as this there are Ice Creams available at various points around the Zoo.

The Zoo is built on a hill and you should be prepared for a decent climb. The pathways are tar mac'd so they are quite comfortable, but there are a few points on the way round where a little more effort is required. At the top of the Hill they have hilltop Safari's so as I said it pays to check the website to see when they occur, should you wish to partake. They Zoo is continually being upgraded so there might well be the odd time where some of the sights may have to be moved from their current location but this is usually well publicised around the park.

I have no intention of dribbling on about all of the occupants of this very well kept establishment, but it would not go amiss I daresay that I mention a few.

The Penguins

For some strange reason these black and white comedians are one of the first attractions, that both young and old alike head for. They are beautiful in their own right and never cease to amaze the onlooker with their antics. There are several penguin parades throughout the day so be sure to check the timetables it is most definitely a feature you DO NOT want to miss.


Asian Lion/ jaguar

Lions are another of the residents that are extremely popular with adults and children alike. They also having various feeding times and to see this is something else indeed. In there large cages they do give the misguided impression that they are sedate and calm, come feeding time this changes and you can see these magnificent creatures is spectacular form. The Jaguar can be a little more difficult to see as it tries hard to blend in with it's surroundings, but it is well worth waiting a little while just in case it decides to show face

Camels

Camels are weird and mysterious creatures yet they have a strange attraction for kids. I can't put my finger on why but my niece loves them. Myself I find them vaguely intriguing.

Birds

There are loads of birds to see here and you could almost spend all day just looking at them alone. From the majestic and powerful Eagle to the smallest wren they are all such a wonder to view.

Reptiles
Now this is my favourite bit, not that I particularly want to touch any of these monsters but they do fascinate me a lot. From crocodiles to toads and other watery slimy things there is a certain attraction to these weird and wonderful sights. The choice of viewing here is great and a short journey from here takes you on the the snakes and spiders, which again are extremely alluring.

Rhino

The Rhino's are another very popular species with the visitors, and if your lucky you might even catch one having a bath, or should I say being bathed.

I have only mentioned a few of the spectacular sights you can see here, It is for the visitor themselves to discover the wonders that are hear to see. For you £8.50 admission fee you can easily spend all day here looking and admiring the inhabitants. it is certainly worth a visit since there is such a lot here to interest children especially in these days where they do not have to opportunity to see even some of our national animals as we ( those of you in my age group ) have been fortunate enough to have seen. Foxes, otters creatures like that which have been driven further and further away from us.

Children under 3 go free and they will love ever minute of it. Sadly most Zoo' these days seem to be financially distraught, if we want our children to appreciate and love the magnificence that nature has to offer we surely owe them at least one visit to a decent Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo is such a Zoo and I highly recommend a visit.

The only negative I have about the Zoo was the extortionate prices charged at the gift shop an restaurant, but I think we have all learned from our experiences to places such as this and expect to get ripped of a bit. Should you intend to take your own picnic with you there are plenty places around the Zoo where you can enjoy your eats.

The Zoo is some 4-5 miles from the centre of Edinburgh and there a frequent bus services available which pass right by the gate. There is parking next to the Zoo but again there is an additional charge for this. The grounds of the Zoo are extremely well kept and should you be fortunate enough to get a really nice day weather wise your day out will be exceptional, if the weather is pretty much as the norm you will still have a great day out, but just might have to pop in and see the shakes more often to keep away from the train showers. Which ever enjoy yourselves and let the kids see how marvellous nature can be.

Summary: A great day out for the whoole family