Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.  

With more than 2,500 amazing animals from over 60 species, the wildlife conservation charity’s city zoo tops the list of Scotland’s best zoos and aquariums (ranking ninth in the UK) after earning consistently good reviews from visitors and almost 4,000 ‘excellent’ ratings.

David Field, RZSS chief executive, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be named the best zoo in Scotland. This otter-ly amazing achievement reflects our charity’s dedication to providing excellent experiences for our visitors and there’s only more to come! We want to continue to inspire people to protect, value and love nature through science, education and welfare.”

“2024 is a really big year for Edinburgh Zoo, with lots of brilliant new developments and refurbishments taking place and some exciting new animals due to arrive soon for our visitors to spot.”

As part of the charity’s 2030 strategy, RZSS has pledged to reverse the decline of at least 50 species, create deeper connections with nature for more than a million people and enable more than 100 communities to better protect nature.  

David added, “Every single visit to Edinburgh Zoo helps feed and care for all our amazing animals and contributes to the vital conservation work we carry out at home in Scotland and around the world - from protecting wild chimpanzees and giraffes in Uganda to restoring wildcats into the Cairngorms National Park.  

“With the support of our visitors, together we can create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.”

Highland Wildlife Park, also part of RZSS, was rated as the 20th best zoo to visit in the UK overall. The park ranks as the second-best zoo in Scotland behind Edinburgh Zoo.