ZOO OPENING TIMES
We are open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9am until:
| 6.00pm | April - September |
| 5.00pm | October & March |
| 4.30pm | November - February |
2009 Events
Find out what's happening
at the Zoo in 2009.
Events include owl flights,
wildlife lectures, quiz nights and
a wine tasting.
Summer Science School
One week Zoological Science Summer School Courses 2009
Science summer school 2008 was a great success and it was a rare privelege for the students to meet and discuss their work with leading primatologists from the International Primatological Society Congress held in Edinburgh this year. We are now looking ahead to science summer school courses 2009.
The science summer school courses are run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Education Department and are aimed at young people aged 15 and 16 years old (S4 - S5).
The courses will take place at the Highland Wildlife Park during the weeks beginning 13 July 2009 and 20 July 2009 and at Edinburgh Zoo during the weeks begining 3rd August 2009 and 10 August 2009.
The courses will run from Monday to Friday inclusive, 9:00am to 4.00pm. This is a 1 week commitment during the school holidays, so it is essential we only have students that can make the whole week. Because of limited spaces teachers will need to fill in a Nomination Form per student saying why this pupil could benefit from the course. The zoo will then inform teachers of the candidates chosen.
Students will spend the week studying aspects of the captive environment which influence animal behaviour and will be introduced to basic methods and techniques used to evaluate recorded observations. These techniques will include recognition of animal behaviour categories, observation recording, data collection, introductory analysis, literature searching and scientific writing. They will be introduced to scientific areas such as animal welfare, genetic management, ecology, nutrition and physiology. Transferable skills acquired within this framework will include the use of computer programmes including Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint; introduction to online literature databases; use of internet and e-mail; public speaking; independent and team-based working skills.
The course is organised by the Zoo’s education staff, but there will also be input from Zoo research staff, keepers and vets. However, it must be stressed that the students WILL NOT be working with the animals and there will be little physical contact with them. The week contains a heavy work load concentrating on non-invasive animal research/science, so we are keen to attract the most committed students.
The students would be expected to bring their own packed lunches each day but drinks and snacks will be provided at breaks. There will be a late session (until approx. 9pm) on Thursday, where we will organise a meal together. On the last day it will be possible for teachers and family to come along and listen to what the students have done during the week.
This is a great opportunity for young scientists to get together, explore the science behind zoos, meet some unusual challenges and have fun as well as work hard. So, we would encourage you to book early in order to avoid disappointment.
Nomination Request
To receive a Student Nomination Form please contact:
Polly Phillpot
Senior Education Officer
Animal, Education & Conservation Department
Edinburgh Zoo
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Edinburgh
EH12 6TS
tel: 0131 3140335
fax: 0131 3145604
email: pphillpot@rzss.org.uk