Topic outline

  • Daily Talks - Tuesday 2nd September

    Edinburgh Zoo - Daily Talks

  • 10:30 am - FLAMINGOS

    A flock of flamingos

    Discover how flamingos may look delicate, but they're one of the most hardcore birds on our planet.

    Did you know – flamingos are pink because of the carotenoids (red pigments) found in the algae and shrimps they eat? These pigments are also found in carrots and peppers.

    Watch out for… our flamingos standing on one leg. What you think is their knee is actually their ankle!

    • 11:15 aM - RED PANDAS

      two zoo red pandas
      About this talk

      Discover the original and totally unique panda!

      Did you know – red pandas can climb vertically down a tree thanks to their specially evolved ankles and wrists.

      Watch out for… their beautiful red fur and distinctive faces which help them camouflage into wild bamboo forests!

      • 11:30 am - WARTY PIGS (Opposite L'Hoest's Monkeys)

        a warty pig walking at Edinburgh Zoo

        Come and discover our warty pigs, one of the rarest mammals in the zoo. They are often overshadowed by their African cousins, but they are a different species. And learn why they have one of the best hairdos in the zoo! Watch our warty pigs as they forage and root around in their enclosure for any tasty food they might find.

        • 1:30 PM - PENGUINS

          a gentoo penguin

          Discover why ocean conservation is critical to the pitter-patter of penguin feet!

          Did you know – gentoo penguins are the fastest penguins in the world, swimming at a zippy 22mph?

          Watch out for… our ‘Very Important Penguin’, Sir Nils Olav, who is a knighted member of the Norwegian Guard!

          Find out more!

          After this talk, you can find out more about these amazing birds and even take part in our penguin olympics with this free programme!

          Waddle this way!

          • 2 pm - Rhino

            a rhino at Edinburgh Zoo

            Discover how our chubby unicorns are ecosystem engineers, fundamentally reshaping the environment around them!

            Did you know – our rhino weighs around two tonnes (that’s still only ¾ the weight of a blue whale’s tongue!)?

            Watch out for… Qabid enjoying a mud bath

            • 2:30 PM - CAPYBARAS

              A capybara swimming at Edinburgh Zoo
              About this talk

              Discover the largest rodents in the world!

              Did you know – capybaras are much faster than their round shape lets on, with a top speed of 22mph!

              Watch out for… their special webbed feet, perfectly adapted for navigating the marshy wetlands of their native habitat.

              • 3:30 pm - PYGMY HIPPOS

                Two hippos lying in the mud

                • 3:45 pm - OTTERS

                  an otter in the grass

                  Discover the otter-ly outstanding communication skills of our family of Asian small-clawed otters!

                  Did you know – otters leave each other complex messages with their poop, known as ‘spraints’?

                  Watch out for… our otters cleverly breaking into their breakfast. Otters are so smart that they have learned to leave shellfish out in the sun and wait for the heat to crack them open!