Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)

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Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)

Welcome to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity 🐾
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17/06/2026

This World Crocodile Day we're celebrating our work to save one of the world's rarest reptiles... the Siamese crocodile 🐊

Once found across much of Southeast Asia, the species has disappeared from 99% of its historic range due to hunting and habitat loss. Today only small fragmented populations remain, with around 250 mature individuals estimated to survive in Cambodia.

That's why conservation breeding for release is so important.

Working alongside Fauna & Flora and the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the RZSS WildGenes team is supporting the recovery of this Critically Endangered species through genetic testing. By identifying suitable animals for breeding and release, genetics helps ensure conservation efforts strengthen wild populations and protect the future of the species.

It's a powerful example of how science, collaboration and conservation can come together to give threatened species a better chance of survival 💚

16/06/2026

We are reflecting on an extraordinary 2025 after our AGM last month 🌍

Thanks to the support of our members, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters we've continued making a real difference for wildlife, from releasing more wildcats into the Cairngorms to connecting hundreds of thousands of people with nature at our zoos.

We celebrated individuals whose dedication and expertise have made exceptional contributions to conservation, research, animal welfare and public engagement through the awarding of Honorary Fellowships of RZSS to Professor Simon Girling, Professor Amanda Seed and Professor Josep Call.

We also welcomed new and evolving leadership on the Board. Find out more 📲 rzss.org.uk/news/rzss-board-and-fellows-2026

Together, we're working towards a world where nature is protected, valued and loved 💚

15/06/2026

Happy Nature Photography Day 📸🌿

Photography has the power to help us see the natural world in new ways, capturing moments that inspire wonder, curiosity and a deeper connection with wildlife.

Whether it's a perfectly timed shot of a playful penguin or a native species spotted in the wild, every photograph can tell a story and remind us why nature is worth protecting.

Share your favourite wildlife photo in the comments, we'd love to see the natural world through your lens.

12/06/2026

This week we welcome colleagues from across the UK and Ireland to Edinburgh Zoo for the BIAZA Annual Conference 🐾

Bringing together conservationists, animal care professionals, educators and other colleagues, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, celebrate successes and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing zoos and aquariums.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented and contributed to such an engaging and thought-provoking event. Together we are creating a world where nature is protected, valued and loved 💚

11/06/2026

It's International Day of Play and we're celebrating the power of play for people and animals alike 💚

Whether it's adventurers exploring Highland Wildlife Park, enjoying our accessible playground at Edinburgh Zoo or animals engaging in enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviours, play is an important part of learning and development.

Every day we see how curiosity, exploration and fun can inspire a lifelong connection with nature 🛝

09/06/2026

🌍 Registration is now open for the 4th International Conservation Translocation Conference (ICTC26), taking place in Edinburgh from 7 - 9 September 2026.

Co-hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) alongside NatureScot, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, ICTC26 will bring together conservation practitioners, researchers and experts from around the world to share the latest advances in conservation translocation management, research and innovation.

Spaces are filling quickly, so secure your place today. Register now and find out more 🔗 ictc26.org

08/06/2026

MORE (tiny stripy) hope for wildcats in Scotland 😻

For the third year in a row, wildcat kittens have been born in the wild to females released by Saving Wildcats 💚

Every one of these tiny paws is a sign of hope. It means the cats released through the conservation breeding for release project led by our charity are adapting to life in the wild. They are successfully finding mates, raising families and helping to rebuild a population that was once on the brink.

Three years ago, births like these were only a dream. Today, wild kittens are exploring Scotland's landscapes, carrying the future of this iconic species with them 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

05/06/2026

🌟 Happy Volunteers' Week 🌟

We're celebrating the incredible people who give their time, energy and passion to support our wildlife conservation charity.

From welcoming visitors and sharing stories about wildlife, to helping create unforgettable experiences at our zoos, our volunteers make a huge difference every single day.

💚 We are proud to have 248 volunteers across RZSS
💚 Our longest-serving volunteer has been with us since 1984
💚 Over the last year, our volunteers have interacted with 91,152 visitors
💚 Together, they've contributed 23,957 hours of their time in the past year

Those numbers are impressive, but it's the dedication, enthusiasm and kindness behind them that truly make our volunteers so special. Their support helps us connect people with nature, inspire future conservationists and work towards a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Interested in joining our volunteer team? We're always looking for volunteers at Highland Wildlife Park and recruitment for Edinburgh Zoo opens this autumn 📲 rzss.org.uk/support/volunteer

01/06/2026

After nearly four years of research, testing, workshops and collaboration, our partners Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres - ICAS have had approval for new wildlife warning sign installation nationwide in Brazil⚠️🚗

The sign was designed to better communicate the dangers of wildlife-vehicle collisions and the results are already encouraging:
💚 Average vehicle speeds reduced by 5.45%
💚 Truck speeds dropped by up to 16% at dawn and dusk
💚 73% of drivers found the new sign more effective

We're so proud to support Projeto Tamanduá-Bandeira and their work. This just one more tool to help protect wildlife in Brazil 🇧🇷

29/05/2026

We are delighted to welcome Michael Moore as the new president of RZSS 💚

Our world is facing a biodiversity crisis and the role of modern zoos in connecting people with nature and protecting vulnerable species is more important than ever before.

Bringing decades of experience in business, politics and community engagement, Michael joins us at a critical time for our wildlife conservation charity.

We’d like to thank outgoing president Ian Marchant for his incredible support over the past 10 years 🐾

Address

134 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH126TS

Telephone

+441313349171

Website

http://www.rzss.org.uk/

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