| Product: |
Edinburgh Zoo |
| Date: |
07/12/06 (158 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: great selection of animals, easy to navigate your way around
Disadvantages: Pack a lunch as the restaurant food is not the best
You can very rarely go wrong with a day out to the Zoo and Edinburgh zoo is no acception.
As the largest Animal park in Scotland (82acres), the Edinburgh Zoo is committed to high standards of animal welfare and conservationand envirnmental education. They are owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a registered conservation and education charity.
As part of this committment, the zoo runs conservation programmes world-wide as well as education and research programmes on a UK level.
The zoo has been awarded 4 stars from the VisitScotland quality assurance scheme
Admission Times
Open 365 days per year - even Christmas day!
April to September (09:00 to 6:00)
October to March (09:00 to 5:00
November to February (09:00 to 4:30)
Admission Fees
Adults £10.00
Children £7.00 (under 3's go free)
Concession £7.50
Family tickets
2 Adults + 2 Children £32.00
2 Adults + 3 Children £35.50
Groups of ten or more
Adults £8.00
Children £5.60
Concession £6.00
Facilities
The zoo which is situated on a sloping hill is host to over 1000 animals (127 species) from Camels to Zebras. They have a dedicated wild cat and safari area as well as a reptile house. (My phobia of snakes kept me out of this one).
The Wild cats have a large safari area to roam around but are taken individually to enclosures so that visitors can see them better. The enclosures are quite small rooms with a full glass window for viewing. It is hard to see such beautiful animals which deserve to run free cooped up, but as I understand it, it is for a minimal period of time before they are returned to the safari area.
Regualar talks on specific animals are help by the keepers at the zoo such as penguins, big cats, lemurs etc) It is also possible on pre-arranged dated (see website for listings of special events) to watch the sea lions being fed and trained. The sea lions are by far the most friendly that I have ever seen and this is great fun to get involved in. The zoo is also known for its Penguin Marches. At specified times of day, the keeper's walk the penguins along the pedestrians pathway. There is something quite amazing about seeing these wee animals wadde along in a perfectly formed queue. This is by far my favourite bit
In addition to the animals they have a number of other facilities for kids to enjoy.
There are 4 play areas for kids.
1. An ark with rope bridge, slide and stepping stones near the lemurs enclosure.
2. a second area with slide, fireman's pole, hanging bridge and climbing bars is near the chimpanzees. There is also a smaller play area specifically designed for under 5's.
3. At the top of the hill there is a large open play area for kids from 3+.
4. Near the Penguins lawn there is a climbing frame for older kids.
If you are feeling a bit lazy, or if your kids are moaning about walking too much it is possible to catch one of two free safari rides. These travel throughout the entire zoo with the driver giving a running commentary about each of the animals. This trailer ride runs for 30 minutes.
Restaurant facilities
There are picnic tables dotted around the zoo with 3 main picnic areas.
In good weather you can enjoy burgers grilled outside at the "grillin' and chillin' area.
There are main restaurants which offer a limited selection of snacks and sandwiches although the quality is a bit poor in my opinion. I would strongly recommend bringing a packed lunch instead.
If you would prefer to dine in style, the beautiful mansion house offers a full restaurant menu with waitress service. This can be pricey and perhaps not ideal if you are visiting with kids.
And of course, to tempt your kids there are several kiosks located throughout the park selling crisps, sweets, drinks and ice cream.
*All profits from the catering facilities go towards the conservation programmes the zoo currently run.
Gift Shop
There are two gift shops located close to the entrance of the park. I love these shops. They offer a variety of items from paintins, jewellery, small toys, t-shirts and stuffed animals. What is great about it is that they carry their committment to the environment through to the shop, selling environmentally sustainable products including fair trade items.
Accessability
This is a very diability friendly zoo with facilities to easily accomodate wheelchairs. THe safari ride trailor can take up to 3 wheelchairs at a time.
Travelling/Parking
If taking the train, you will have a short taxi ride from Haymarket station. If driving, there is parking on site for the cost of £2.
Conclusion
This is a fantastic day out for kids and adults alike. There is feedom to let your kids run free although there is a fair amount of walking to take in to consideration. If going with small children. bring a pushchair! It isn't a cheap day out, but considering what the zoo has to offer, it is well worth the cost of admission and some.
Summary: A day out for the kids (and grown ups too!)
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