Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Zoo news 2024

[Cobi]

I think it’s worth clarifying a couple of points here.

Firstly, we are talking about just one of the indoor shelters and none of the external enclosures.

Secondly it doesn’t indicate that this is a permanent arrangement. True, it doesn’t mention a new purpose-built koala building but that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen.

This is the wording in the magazine:

Every day of the year, at both of our zoos, our highly skilled teams work hard to make sure that our animals have comfortable homes and lots of enrichment. Sometimes that also means they get the opportunity to move house.

Right now, we are creating new homes for our much loved koalas, Inala, Kalari and their joeys Talara and Myaree.

The four koalas will be moving to the indoor part of the enclosure that used to be home to giant panda Tian Tian. It’s perfect for our koalas, as it’s a large, secure and warm spot in a quiet part of the zoo. Keepers are working with our property and estates teams and RZSS gardeners to provide the ideal koala-friendly environment, with lots of branches, feeding stations and, importantly, plenty of sleeping areas for these snooze-loving animals.

We’ll look forward to welcoming the koalas into their new home, and welcoming you to visit them, very soon.

Can I ask do you mean the new or the old female indoor area although ether of them seem smaller than what the koalas have just now

It’s the most recent giant panda enclosure. To be fair, enclosure size isn’t the biggest concern when it comes to koala welfare.

 

[Martii]

I think it’s worth clarifying a couple of points here.

Firstly, we are talking about just one of the indoor shelters and none of the external enclosures.

Secondly it doesn’t indicate that this is a permanent arrangement. True, it doesn’t mention a new purpose-built koala building but that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen.

This is the wording in the magazine:





It’s the most recent giant panda enclosure. To be fair, enclosure size isn’t the biggest concern when it comes to koala welfare.

I emailed the zoo and received an email back from the Visitor Experience Team Leader saying the move was temporary

 

[GeeZee]

I emailed the zoo and received an email back from the Visitor Experience Team Leader saying the move was temporary

I thought that would be the case, although having emailed the zoo many times over the years - while they do try and be helpful, sometimes their information is to the best of their knowledge at the time, for example, some things only the board/ceo would be privy to.

I do think they have dragged their heels rather a lot when it comes to the panda replacement, it was rumoured that it may be another bear and in the last few months several bears have been rehomed in the UK, close to home was an Asiatic black bear going to the Five Sisters Zoo.

I do wonder if they know what they are getting, but haven’t revealed it yet - or if they are still trying to decide on a new species. What confuses me was this time last year it would of seemed inevitable that they knew what they were going to replace the pandas with, but since the pandas have actually departed we’ve heard nothing.

On a positive note, today the visitor figures were released for 2023, EZ received 618,719 and HWP 124,308, interestingly EZ is up from 601,285 but HWP is actually down from 152,048 seen in 2022.

I had expected EZ to have an uptick due to the Pandas leaving so I’m pleased to see that, but I wonder what caused a fall in visits to HWP?

 

[Lafone]

I thought that would be the case, although having emailed the zoo many times over the years - while they do try and be helpful, sometimes their information is to the best of their knowledge at the time, for example, some things only the board/ceo would be privy to.

I do think they have dragged their heels rather a lot when it comes to the panda replacement, it was rumoured that it may be another bear and in the last few months several bears have been rehomed in the UK, close to home was an Asiatic black bear going to the Five Sisters Zoo.

I do wonder if they know what they are getting, but haven’t revealed it yet - or if they are still trying to decide on a new species. What confuses me was this time last year it would of seemed inevitable that they knew what they were going to replace the pandas with, but since the pandas have actually departed we’ve heard nothing.

On a positive note, today the visitor figures were released for 2023, EZ received 618,719 and HWP 124,308, interestingly EZ is up from 601,285 but HWP is actually down from 152,048 seen in 2022.

I had expected EZ to have an uptick due to the Pandas leaving so I’m pleased to see that, but I wonder what caused a fall in visits to HWP?

Perhaps HWP had more visitors in the reopening phase after the pandemic when people who usually wouldn’t bother as much were keener on going outside. The knock on of the reopening after mid 2021 may have lasted into the following season.

 

[Cobi]

I thought that would be the case, although having emailed the zoo many times over the years - while they do try and be helpful, sometimes their information is to the best of their knowledge at the time, for example, some things only the board/ceo would be privy to.

I do think they have dragged their heels rather a lot when it comes to the panda replacement, it was rumoured that it may be another bear and in the last few months several bears have been rehomed in the UK, close to home was an Asiatic black bear going to the Five Sisters Zoo.

I do wonder if they know what they are getting, but haven’t revealed it yet - or if they are still trying to decide on a new species. What confuses me was this time last year it would of seemed inevitable that they knew what they were going to replace the pandas with, but since the pandas have actually departed we’ve heard nothing.

On a positive note, today the visitor figures were released for 2023, EZ received 618,719 and HWP 124,308, interestingly EZ is up from 601,285 but HWP is actually down from 152,048 seen in 2022.

I had expected EZ to have an uptick due to the Pandas leaving so I’m pleased to see that, but I wonder what caused a fall in visits to HWP?

My understanding is that this was always the plan. They announced that they intended to use the space for the geladas whilst improvements were made to their enclosure - although I don’t think that actually happened - and as temporary accommodation for the koalas.

If I remember correctly it was said that it would be well into 2024 before the replacement plans were announced.

 

[Charliemarwell]

Visited today in the glorious Edinburgh sunshine.

Noticed there was two new Banteng alongside male Struan. I’m guessing they were females to create a breeding herd. Although one was particularly smaller then the other and looked to be following the other larger female around the paddock - her calf perhaps? No news on where they come from but nice to see Struan has some company.

 

[JT]

Visited today in the glorious Edinburgh sunshine.

Noticed there was two new Banteng alongside male Struan. I’m guessing they were females to create a breeding herd. Although one was particularly smaller then the other and looked to be following the other larger female around the paddock - her calf perhaps? No news on where they come from but nice to see Struan has some company.

I thought Edinburgh’s male was castrated?

 

[Martii]

Visited today in the glorious Edinburgh sunshine.

Noticed there was two new Banteng alongside male Struan. I’m guessing they were females to create a breeding herd. Although one was particularly smaller then the other and looked to be following the other larger female around the paddock - her calf perhaps? No news on where they come from but nice to see Struan has some company.

Did you see the Binturong by any chance as according to the zoos website they only have the male Ali?

 

[Charliemarwell]

I thought Edinburgh’s male was castrated?

He might be (not 100% sure) so they could just be companionship for him. Either way, nice to see more of them in that large paddock.

Did you see the Binturong by any chance as according to the zoos website they only have the male Ali?

I did see only one today, so that makes sense. Ali was out basking in the sunshine in the back corner of the enclosure.
I wonder why Poppy left? She was much younger then Ali and so maybe she’s gone to another collection where breeding is more likely.

 

[Quincey]

I thought Edinburgh’s male was castrated?

The male Banteng is castrated, the females have arrived as companions.

 

[Smaggledagle]

Other Early 2024 News:

On January 19th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.2) red-whiskered bulbuls to the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis in Milnthorpe.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

On February 16th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (2.0) large hairy armadillos to the Battersea Park Children's Zoo in London.

New Species Announcement | We are delighted to welcome two large hairy armadillos to the zoo, who have joined us from our friends at Edinburgh Zoo Pedro Pascal and Montezuma are... | By Battersea Park Children's ZooFacebook

On March 4th, the zoo announced that a (0.0.1) swamp wallaby was born in July 2023 and was named Kermit.

Adorable swamp wallaby joey named at Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo

Visited today in the glorious Edinburgh sunshine.

Noticed there was two new Banteng alongside male Struan. I’m guessing they were females to create a breeding herd. Although one was particularly smaller then the other and looked to be following the other larger female around the paddock - her calf perhaps? No news on where they come from but nice to see Struan has some company.

On March 19th, the zoo officially announced they acquired (0.2) banteng named Kartika and Kiley from the Chester Zoo in Cheshire.

Edinburgh Zoo

 

[ArmadilloArms]

Binturong enclosure now has a sign saying its empty and Binturong now not on the website. I'm a little heartbroken they were my first sponsor animal!

The douroucouli enclosure in the magic forest is now empty hopefully he is off to find some romance!

There is a lot of new substrate and a large hairy armadillo and a nine banded in the old male section of the koala House.

Both Cassowary were out and about. Decent amount of wear on the ground on the fence line by the banteng, obviously nosey neighbours/ some exciting new "enrichment"

Zoo management was great today for Easter weekend. The icecream kiosk outside wee beasties is now open after a refurb, you can actually enter it now. It is only selling icecream, sweets and cold drinks.
The team at the entry were great and efficient. Looked like good numbers but still tollerable whilst in the park for purists. (And I only had to tell one gentleman to stop tapping on the glass )

Has anyone seen Gloria the Pygmy Hippo in the past couple of weeks? She's still on the website but my past 2 visits I've not had eyes on her despite visiting several times during the day and doing a full loop of the enclosure. I think she could be in the shed near the newer sand area.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

There is a lot of new substrate and a large hairy armadillo and a nine banded in the old male section of the koala House.

If true, an interesting acquisition! Given the zoo definitely has three-banded I suspect this may be the species you meant, however.

 

[ArmadilloArms]

If true, an interesting acquisition!

Wait- It's the 3 and i've got my numbers muddled. Didn't physically see them- just the signage.

Embarrassing given my name!

 

[Jambi]

How many times a day does the zoo do the Animal Antics talk, and at what times during the day? Do the times differ depending on the seasons? I've thought about maybe visiting Edinburgh in October, and I've never attended Animal Antics before so that's one of the things I'd really like see do next time I'm there.

 

[epickoala123]

Binturong enclosure now has a sign saying its empty and Binturong now not on the website. I'm a little heartbroken they were my first sponsor animal!

The douroucouli enclosure in the magic forest is now empty hopefully he is off to find some romance!

There is a lot of new substrate and a large hairy armadillo and a nine banded in the old male section of the koala House.

Both Cassowary were out and about. Decent amount of wear on the ground on the fence line by the banteng, obviously nosey neighbours/ some exciting new "enrichment"

Zoo management was great today for Easter weekend. The icecream kiosk outside wee beasties is now open after a refurb, you can actually enter it now. It is only selling icecream, sweets and cold drinks.
The team at the entry were great and efficient. Looked like good numbers but still tollerable whilst in the park for purists. (And I only had to tell one gentleman to stop tapping on the glass )

Has anyone seen Gloria the Pygmy Hippo in the past couple of weeks? She's still on the website but my past 2 visits I've not had eyes on her despite visiting several times during the day and doing a full loop of the enclosure. I think she could be in the shed near the newer sand area.

Devastated at the departure of the binturongs :'( One of my favourites at the zoo for sure.

Very depressing to follow this thread, which is seemingly just a long list of departing species and newly vacant enclosures.

 

[Baringogiraffe12]

Binturong enclosure now has a sign saying its empty and Binturong now not on the website. I'm a little heartbroken they were my first sponsor animal!

The douroucouli enclosure in the magic forest is now empty hopefully he is off to find some romance!

There is a lot of new substrate and a large hairy armadillo and a nine banded in the old male section of the koala House.

Both Cassowary were out and about. Decent amount of wear on the ground on the fence line by the banteng, obviously nosey neighbours/ some exciting new "enrichment"

Zoo management was great today for Easter weekend. The icecream kiosk outside wee beasties is now open after a refurb, you can actually enter it now. It is only selling icecream, sweets and cold drinks.
The team at the entry were great and efficient. Looked like good numbers but still tollerable whilst in the park for purists. (And I only had to tell one gentleman to stop tapping on the glass )

Has anyone seen Gloria the Pygmy Hippo in the past couple of weeks? She's still on the website but my past 2 visits I've not had eyes on her despite visiting several times during the day and doing a full loop of the enclosure. I think she could be in the shed near the newer sand area.

Confirmation of the passing of the zoo's last binturong - he was born in 1999 so had a very good innings.

Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh

 

[felis silvestris]

Confirmation of the passing of the zoo's last binturong - he was born in 1999 so had a very good innings.

Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh

They’re said they hope to welcome more binturong in the future, which is good.

What happened to the other binturong- did it pass away recently too?

 

[Baringogiraffe12]

They’re said they hope to welcome more binturong in the future, which is good.

What happened to the other binturong- did it pass away recently too?

The female died of cancer some months back.

 

[pandagirlvienna]

Visited today in the glorious Edinburgh sunshine.

Noticed there was two new Banteng alongside male Struan. I’m guessing they were females to create a breeding herd. Although one was particularly smaller then the other and looked to be following the other larger female around the paddock - her calf perhaps? No news on where they come from but nice to see Struan has some company.

They came from Chester zoo