Edinburgh Zoo is a zoological park located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 1913, and is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The zoo covers an area of 82 acres and is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 200 different species.
One of the main attractions of Edinburgh Zoo is its giant pandas. In 2011, the zoo received two pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, from China on a ten-year loan. The pandas have been a major draw for visitors ever since, and the zoo has seen a significant increase in attendance. In addition to the pandas, the zoo has a wide variety of other animals, including penguins, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, rhinos, and koalas.
Edinburgh Zoo is also home to a number of conservation and research programs. These include a captive breeding program for endangered species such as the Scottish wildcat and the Partula snail, as well as research into animal behavior and welfare.
The zoo offers a range of educational programs for both adults and children, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and school trips. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and gift shops on site, as well as picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.