Outreach
If you can’t come to the zoo, let the zoo come to you! RZSS can send a qualified member of our discovery and learning team to your location to do an engaging talk or workshop. Alternately, if you would like RZSS to provide presence at a booth for your festival, fair, or other event, please contact the team directly at community@rzss.org.uk.
Please note that outreach programmes do not include live animals in any capacity.
Explore some of our offerings below!
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Outreach talks
All community outreach talks are 30–45 minutes in length, allowing time for a concluding Q&A. Talks are developed with adult audiences in mind unless otherwise noted.
Zoo careers
Have you ever wondered about all the people it takes to run the zoo? If so, this talk is for you! Learn all about what it takes to be a keeper, a ranger, an events manager, even a CEO!
Best for ages: 9+
History of RZSS
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) was founded in 1909! Over 100 years later we are one of the leaders in conservation and animal husbandry, living up to our mission to save wildlife and empower people in Scotland and around the world to protect, value and love nature. Learn all about the humble beginnings, from the very first gannet to Wojtek the soldier bear and Sir Nils Olav the king penguin in this historical tour of RZSS
Gentle Giants: Giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo
Giraffes are a unique animal native to Africa but beloved all over the world. Learn more about the dangers these majestic animals face in the wild and what RZSS and other groups are doing to protect them, as well as a little about the five cheeky boys that live at Edinburgh Zoo!
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RZSS to the Rescue: Conservation Stories from Around the World
As a global wildlife conservation charity, RZSS works hard to protect and save species all over the world! In this talk, journey through some of our most exciting, world-changing conservation projects, and meet some of the animals we're helping to save throughout the amazing, one-of-a kind planet we all call home.
Into Budongo: A look at chimp research and conservation with RZSS
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, with skills and abilities we used to think belonged only to humans! Learn about how RZSS is working to protect chimpanzees in the wild while learning more about their behaviours and intelligence. In this talk you will delve into the important work happening here in Edinburgh and in the forests of the Budongo, and learn about the unique personalities of the many chimpanzees that call Edinburgh Zoo home.
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A Royal Zoological Society Rundown
While Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park house thousands of animals, we cannot talk about them all! This royal rundown focuses on some of our charity's most popular and unique animals. From graceful giraffes to stealthy tigers, learn about your favourite animals from one of the experts.
Scotland’s Wildcats: the cat, the myth, the legend
In this dynamic talk, learn all about the ways wildcats are imbedded in Scottish history, and why we are working so hard as part of the Saving Wildcats partnership project to secure their place as an iconic and integral part of Scotland’s future.
Sticking up for the wee ones
Though they are small, insects are mighty! In this talk learn about how our planet depends upon some of the most unknown and unappreciated creatures. Discover why their numbers are dropping so quickly and how RZSS is sticking up for the wee ones by inspiring everyone to protect, value and love them.
Outreach workshops
Enrichment workshops
Groups will learn about the ways our wildlife conservation charity uses behavioural enrichment to care for animals and have the opportunity to build an enrichment item for one of the zoo’s or park’s animals.
Length: 45 minutes
Appropriate for all ages
Skull discovery
This hands-on exploration uses animal skulls to teach animal adaptations. Groups will use their own observation and will be shocked at how much can be learned from just a skull!
Length: 60 minutes
Best for ages: 10+
Building a Zoo: Exhibit Design
Budding zoo architects look no further! This exciting workshop is all about how the zoo creates unique exhibit homes for each kind of animal. From feeding animals to giving them the proper spaces and toys, participants will learn the importance of the perfect animal habitat and do a little creating of their own.
Length: 90 minutes
Best for ages: 8+
