Edinburgh Zoo, Animal conservation facility in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh Zoo is a zoological park in Corstorphine, a district west of the city centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. The site extends across roughly 33 hectares (82 acres) of hilly terrain and houses more than 1,000 animals from around the world.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland founded the facility in 1913 in Corstorphine. The site was the first in the world to have penguins walk in a regular public parade, a tradition that continues today.
The facility is home to Sir Nils Olav III, a king penguin holding military rank in the Norwegian Guard. This special connection dates back decades and is celebrated during official ceremonies in front of visitors.
The site opens daily from 9 AM and closes between 4:30 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer. Paths run through hilly terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended and wheelchair users will find accessible routes throughout the park.
The park is the only facility in Britain housing both giant pandas and koalas. These animals draw many visitors and form part of international breeding and research programmes for endangered species.
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