Edinburgh Zoo

[TinfoilHattie]

Took the kids to the zoo yesterday and have really mixed feelings about it. Edinburgh Zoo was such a big part of my childhood, i think I went on school trips there annually during the Primary years and at least once a year after that.

It's changed SO much. I appreciate that back in the day some of the animals were being kept in less than ideal conditions, and I know that it's better for the animals to have larger enclosures. Polar bears and elephants never looked happy at Edinburgh Zoo.

But still, there were no giraffes, big cats other than lions and tigers, no wolves, no Reptile House, no sea lions, no apes other than chimps, the bird house was closed because of avian flu, no kangaroos, no bears (except two small sun bears), none of the big gazelle things.

Just a bit sad that it's changed so much and I really don't think it's value for money any more.

Do they still have zebras and camels up the hill? I'd be sad if not. Eldest DS loved them. He's 26 now so it's been a while! We used to have membership and go often. Not seeing giraffes must be weird - often they were the first animals we stopped at. After the penguins and sea lions.

You can still see the zebras from Corstorphine hill, although I haven't noticed camels.

Zebras yes. No camels. There also used to be gazelle things up the top of the hill which aren't there any more.

DH took youngest to 5 Sisters today while I was busy with the other two, he LOVED it, said it was loads better than Edinburgh Zoo, he paid a fiver extra to feed the lemurs and he's depserate to go back for a keeper day experience.

There were pumas and panthers last time I went, last year. Tiny front viewing areas but a massive living area out the back.