Young carers enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo

Young carers from across Scotland were treated to a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo thanks to a partnership between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and Carers Trust Scotland.

Organised as part of Carers Week 2025, the event celebrated the vital role young carers play in their families and communities. It provided an opportunity for them to take a break from their responsibilities, meet others in similar situations and enjoy a day of fun hosted by the wildlife conservation charity.  

David Field, RZSS CEO said, “It was a real pleasure to welcome young carers from across Scotland to Edinburgh Zoo. These incredible young people support family members living with illness, disability, mental health conditions or addiction - putting others first every day.

"It was an honour to offer a space for them to roam, connect with nature and simply be young - exploring animal habitats, making memories, and taking a much-needed break.”

Recent survey data shows that more than one in five young carers in Scotland don’t get the chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities, and over half said that having some time out would help them manage their role better.  

During their visit, the young carers were excited to see some of the zoo’s most popular residents, including penguin chicks, red pandas and internet-fave Haggis the hippo.

Becky Duff, director at Carers Trust Scotland, said, “There are an estimated 30,000 young people providing unpaid care in Scotland and this number is only set to grow. Being a young carer can significantly affect your education, relationships and identity.

“Young carers can often feel unseen and unsupported, and at Carers Trust we are determined to change that. All unpaid carers have the right to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring roles, and to take a break from those responsibilities. We were delighted to partner with RZSS this Carers Week to celebrate young carers and give them the chance to relax, have fun and connect with others.” 

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