THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND - Edinburgh Zoo

THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 

ANNUAL REVIEW 2009 

THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL 

SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 

CENTENARY 

1909 - 2009

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 

celebrated its centenary year in 2009 and the 

work that has been done to date in achieving 

its conservation, education and research 

objectives. 

With the support of our visitors, members, 

sponsors, partners, volunteers and staff, we 

are in a strong position to continue progressing 

in our mission to protect threatened species 

and their habitats in the next 100 years. 

Sunset in the Pantanal, Brazil. RZSS’s conservation initiative in the Pantanal 

focuses on understanding herbivores' feeding patterns and helping landowners 

to develop strategies to ensure there are enough resources for all. 

Front cover: architect's drawing for the Carnegie aquarium, opened in 1924

Contents 

2 Chief Executive's statement 

4 President's statement 

6-13 Conservation 

Beaver reintroduction 

Pantanal 

Scottish wildcats 

14-19 Education 

Science engagement 

Wild Bus 

Falkland Islands school linking project 

22-29 Research 

Genetics 

Cognitive behaviour 

Vets 

30 Photo album 

32 RZSS highlights 

34 Finance 

36 Summary accounts 

38 Board, honorary fellows & patrons 

40 Animal adoption honour role

2 

Chief Executive's statement 

In our hundredth year it’s important 

that we take a moment to reflect on 

just how far we’ve come. From the 

outset RZSS was established with 

conservation as a central focus and 

over the years this has been developed 

beyond what our founder could have 

possibly foreseen. We are now involved 

in initiating and supporting conservation 

projects around the world. Furthermore, 

we are undertaking pioneering research 

and providing learning experiences to a 

wider audience than ever before. 

ANNUAL REVIEW • 2009 • THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 

2009 has been an exceptional year. I would like to thank our members, our hard 

working staff and our volunteers for making it so. There was a truly united spirit and 

energy at the many events held to celebrate our centenary, including our Wild Bus, 

our polar bear appeal and the award of the RZSS Centenary Medal to Sir David 

Attenborough. In addition to these celebrations, we made significant progress in 

each of our charitable objectives of conservation, education and research. 

The Society became the Secretariat for the UK National Committee of the 

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN ), the world’s oldest and largest 

global conservation network. This important appointment will enable RZSS to be 

involved in developing IUCN conservation strategies internationally as well as generating 

conservation policy. 

Our plans to increase our presence across Scotland came closer to being 

realised as we formalised our relationship with the Zoological Society of Glasgow 

and West of Scotland. The remaining land at the site of the old Glasgow Zoo is to 

be sold to provide funds for building a new animal attraction in Glasgow and we look 

forward to developing plans for this in 2010. 

Our conservation projects both at home and abroad made good progress. In 

Scotland, Norwegian beavers were reintroduced on a trial basis to Mid Argyll, the 

survey of Scottish wildcats in the Cairngorms began and water vole populations in the 

Trossachs grew. Further afield, our work in the Budongo Forest in Uganda and in the 

Pantanal in Brazil continued to produce vital research. 

As the role of genetics in wildlife conservation and research becomes increasingly 

important, the Society took steps to ensure it has the ability and capacity to make 

a significant contribution including building a dedicated genetics laboratory. Grant 

applications will be submitted in 2010 to expand our capacity further. 

In 2009 we developed a new schools education programme based on the 

Curriculum for Excellence. Our outreach initiatives and increased relationship with 

the Edinburgh International Science Festival helped to deliver our education work far 

beyond the boundaries of our two parks.

Our two sites, Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, flourished this 

year. Visitor numbers increased by almost 60% at the Highland Wildlife Park, reaching 

125,000. With relatively modest investment, a new basis for the animal collection and 

thanks to an excellent relationship with the army, we gave the 30-year old park a new 

lease of life. The arrival of our polar bear, Mercedes, into her new four-acre enclosure 

received worldwide attention. 

At Edinburgh Zoo, Budongo Trail and Living Links continued to develop and evolve. 

As well as being world leading animal enclosures, they both provide opportunities for 

pioneering primate cognitive research and enable our visitors to be a part of it. 

The Society’s commitment to sustainability in all operations was recognised in 

2009 with the award of the ISO 14001 certification for environmental management 

to Edinburgh Zoo. This followed a great deal of work from all staff but particularly our 

dedicated Safety, Health & Environment Officer and the Green Team. 

We never lose sight of the fact that the majority of our charitable work is funded by the 

generosity of visitors to our parks. The Society receives no core funding from the Scottish 

Government even though the majority of our work meets its educational and environmental 

agendas. In return, we are committed to giving our visitors a truly great day out, as well as 

an understanding of the charitable work to which they are contributing. To this end we have 

upgraded our infrastructure this year and we will continue to invest in this over the next few 

years. 

Our financial performance in 2009 was a significant improvement on the previous 

year, a major achievement in the circumstances. Whilst serious challenges lie ahead as 

we seek to achieve our goals in continuing difficult economic conditions, we remain 

very positive about the future. 

I hope you will enjoy this year’s review and share our pleasure in what we 

achieved in 2009. 

David Windmill 

Chief Executive 

This page: David Windmill, Sir David Attenborough and HRH The Princess Royal at the 

Society’s Centenary Reception 

Opposite page: King George V and the Royal Party watching penguins being fed in 1935

4 

President's statement 

RZSS celebrated its centenary year in 2009 

and the Society delivered a programme 

truly worthy of the anniversary. It is 

so easy for those who only see the 

Society through Edinburgh Zoo to think 

of the organisation as making steady 

yet unspectacular progress. The truth is 

that we are proving to be creative and 

dynamic across all our goals of research, 

conservation and education. 


For me, one of the highlights of the year was the Centenary Day and Civic 

Reception in March, when thousands flocked to Edinburgh Zoo and I was 

fortunate to meet a regular octogenarian visitor who could remember our 

founder. Soon after we were able to announce that HRH The Princess 

Royal was to be our Royal Patron and we are already benefiting from her 

commitment, expertise and interest. 

As part of our celebrations, we launched the Wild Bus to enable 

community participation in education across Scotland. Our research 

benefited from the deepening links with St Andrews University. And 

internationally, we continued our conservation work in Uganda and Brazil 

and built on our plans for engagement with China. 

Alongside all these visible achievements, enormous energy and 

expertise were devoted to ensuring the success of the Society in the 

future. This involved building relationships, maximising influence and 

developing physical and political strategies. Our Board and Executive Team 

led from the front. 

A year worthy of the centenary indeed. I have been privileged to 

be your President, to participate in numerous events, to represent the 

Society, and to understand just how much it means to so many people. 

I congratulate our Chief Executive, David Windmill, and his Executive 

Team along with every staff member and volunteer on what they achieved 

in 2009. 

John Spence OBE 

President 

Opposite page: media interest in the centenary celebrations; 

research in the Pantanal and Fiona Hyslop at the launch of 

the Wild Bus

6 

Conservation 

For conservation to succeed, it needs to be approached 

holistically. RZSS helps people to use and share natural 

resources with animals in a sustainable way every day 

in different projects around the world. Whenever 

possible this also means offering the people who live 

and work in communities greater prospects than they 

previously had. 

Close liaison with governments and other 

conservation organisations ensures we are working 

towards common goals for entire regions, tackling some 

of the biggest challenges to the world’s ecosystems. 


This page: the Pantanal's wetland ecosystem 

Opposite page: rancher aiding the Pantanal research; water 

vole conservation in Scotland and the team working towards 

conservation in the Budongo Forest

8 

Conservation 

Beaver reintroduction 

It’s not often we can say that we made 

history, but in 2009 we were able to do 

just that. After an absence of 400 years, the 

first beavers were released on a five-year 

trial basis into the wild at Knapdale in Mid 

Argyll. This marked the first ever formal 

reintroduction of a mammal to Britain. 


The Scottish Beaver Trial, a partnership between RZSS, Scottish Wildlife 

Trust and host partner Forestry Commission Scotland, began work on 

the complex process of preparing for the reintroduction in 2007. This 

included local consultations, the securing of the reintroduction licence and 

extensive work to source, transport and quarantine the beavers. 

Now that the beavers are in situ, our task over the next five years is 

to closely monitor their activities. Tracking is essential not only for animal 

welfare requirements but also provides important data on the impact 

these beavers have on the environment. This information, along with 

independent monitoring coordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage, will 

be submitted to the Scottish Government in 2014. They will then decide 

whether beavers will remain in the wild in Scotland. The whereabouts of 

the beavers is also an important public and PR issue. 

As beavers are shy, crepuscular animals and spend the majority of 

their time in the water, they can be difficult to spot. The large trial area 

also presents problems for tracking by sight alone so a variety of tracking 

methods are employed including radio and satellite tagging. Happily, the 

beavers have been relatively easy to spot in the first six months. Visual 

observations are reassuring as they provide first-hand data on their 

behaviour, as well as their locations. 

Field signs including small-scale tree felling and feeding stations were 

recorded shortly after release. Dams were spotted in July and towards 

the end of the year the first beaver lodge was discovered, a positive sign 

of settling. 

As with many of the Society’s projects, we rely on volunteers to help 

with field work and luckily there has been no shortage of offers. Training 

volunteers and general education about the Trial continues to be a very 

important element. Interpretation and information is available at each loch 

and we regularly interact with the local community. Although an estimated 

10 million people learned about the Trial through media coverage, we still 

have work to do to promote the Trial and to highlight the benefits beavers 

can offer to our ecosystem. Funding presents a major challenge for the 

next five years. 

The Trial has already had its share of challenges but this is a part of 

the process. It is an experiment and an opportunity to learn. England and 

Wales are currently considering similar trials and our data and evaluations 

will be invaluable in helping to inform their planning. 

Opposite page top: Knapdale Forest; beaver tracking; signs of 

regeneration and beaver lodge

"The Trial will be a major contribution to Scotland's 

Species Action Framework, which sets out a strategic 

approach to species management in Scotland." 

Prof Colin Galbraith, Director of Policy and Advice for Scottish Natural Heritage

10 

Conservation 

Pantanal 

The Pantanal of Brazil is the world’s largest 

freshwater wetland system and one of the 

most biologically diverse environments 

on the planet. RZSS is working to ensure 

that its inhabitants can co-exist for many 

years to come. 


Home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, plants, fish and 

mammals including the endangered jaguar, the Pantanal is also home 

to many farmers. Agriculture is an important industry for the area but 

unfortunately an increase in ranching activities is destroying important 

wildlife habitat. Thoughtful land management is essential in order to 

ensure it continues to thrive. 

RZSS has been working with a team based in the Pantanal, led by 

biologist Arnaud Desbiez, since 2005. Our work has three key strands: 

ecological research, engagement with stakeholders and education. 

One of the main research focuses has been developing a quick 

method to evaluate and understand the feeding patterns of both domestic 

and wild herbivores. RZSS has worked in partnership with EMBRAPA 

Pantanal, the Brazilian government's agriculture corporation, to create a 

software-based, interactive key. This complex key enables researchers to 

identify fragments of plants found in faecal samples. 

The ability to identify the composition of the plants eaten by the 

herbivores allows researchers to understand their feeding strategies and 

nutritional needs. To gather data, Arnaud and his team conduct regular 

field expeditions to collect samples from herbivores including cows, sheep, 

horses, marsh deer, American rhea, white-lipped peccaries, brocket deer, 

capybaras and more recently buffaloes. 

Long-term success for conservation relies on strong partnerships 

with local communities. There is extensive cattle ranching in most of the 

Pantanal and grazing by the livestock is continuous. This means cattle 

often stay in the same areas for the majority of the year and use pasture 

resources unevenly. This ultimately results in pasture degradation which is 

unhealthy for both the pasture and the livestock. 

RZSS works with landowners to help them adopt land management 

strategies that will benefit both their cattle and wildlife. Rotational grazing 

is one method used and RZSS began to introduce this to landowners this 

year in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society. 

This work is only a snapshot of the conservation work we are 

carrying out in the Pantanal. In partnership with other organisations, 

including CBSG-Brazil, we are involved in a number of conservation and 

education projects. And plans to increase this are already afoot, with 

conservation projects being explored across Latin America. 

Opposite page: collecting and analysing research samples; 

cattle and ranchers

12 

Conservation 

4 

Scottish wildcats 

Most people can name at least one or 

two endangered species across the globe 

but surprisingly few are aware that here 

in Scotland our last remaining native cat 

is close to extinction. In fact many are 

unaware of its existence. Raising public 

awareness of the wildcat is essential if we 

are to save it. 


A part of our heritage, the Scottish wildcat has lived in Scotland for the last 

two million years yet there are now only an estimated 400 left in the wild. 

As one of the wildcat’s last remaining refuges is the Cairngorms, 

RZSS has joined forces with Cairngorms National Park Authority, Forestry 

Commission Scotland, Scottish Gamekeepers Association and Scottish 

Natural Heritage to take action to save the cat. The Cairngorms Wildcat 

Project was launched in May 2009 at the Highland Wildlife Park. 

Threats faced by wildcats include hybridisation with feral domestic cats, 

disease spread by domestic cats and predator control. We are tackling each 

of these issues using an integrated approach of research, raising awareness 

and engaging with the many groups that have an impact on wildcats. 

In order to protect the wildcat, we need to know how many there 

are, and where. We also need to understand the extent of hybridisation 

and disease. Building this picture is not easy and every reported sighting 

of a wildcat helps. Following a high profile campaign, many of the local 

community are now on board. Gamekeepers are also invaluable in 

providing data. From the reported sightings, together with images taken 

using camera traps, a picture is starting to emerge, although it will take 

some time before we can draw any conclusions. 

Cat owners are one of the most important groups within the local 

community for us to work with. Responsible ownership, including 

neutering and vaccination, is essential to reduce cross-breeding and 

disease. Cat welfare organisations are another important part of the 

puzzle. They neuter and vaccinate feral cats, reducing the risk of 

them breeding with wildcats and transmitting disease. Discussions with 

landowners are ongoing in a bid to ensure predator control is wildcatfriendly. 

Profile raising is a joint effort on the part of many groups including 

vets and cat welfare organisations. A dedicated website, media 

engagement, the use of networking sites and involvement with local 

events, including the Braemar Gathering, have all helped to promote the 

cause of the wildcats. 

Significant progress has been made in the last year. Feelings of 

responsibility for, and pride in, the wildcats have undoubtedly increased 

but there is still a long way to go in securing their future in the Highlands. 

This page: Cairngorms National Park 

Opposite: wildcat kitten

UK Secretariat 

RZSS was appointed Secretariat for the UK 

National Committee of the International Union 

for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) this year. 

IUCN helps to find practical solutions to serious 

global environmental challenges. RZSS is working 

closely with IUCN to develop and implement 

conservation strategies all over the world and to 

encourage policy makers in UK government to 

engage with and contribute to the IUCN mission. 

Above: Donald Emslie, Chair RZSS and Chris Mahon, Chair 

IUCN UK Committee unveiling the Secretariat plaque

14 

Education 

Our aim is to encourage people to notice the world 

around them, to understand it and care about its 

future. Most people are concerned if they learn an 

animal is endangered; we want to help as many people 

as we can to understand the problems that lead to 

these situations and to realise that they themselves 

can make a difference. 

In 2009, we engaged with a larger and more diverse 

audience than ever before, ranging from families in 

Uganda, farmers in Brazil and schoolchildren in 

Orkney to the thousands of visitors of all ages and 

nationalities who visit our parks every day. 


This page: animal handling workshop 

Opposite page: pond dipping, an activity engaging children in 

science at the Zoo

16 

Education 

Science engagement 

Helping people connect with their 

environment is a lot to do with nurturing 

natural curiosity. We are constantly looking 

at new and innovative routes to science 

communication. 


As well as being able to observe research as it happens, at Living 

Links visitors are invited to take part. Science Engagement Officer, Dr 

Mark Bowler, is on hand to explain the work researchers are doing 

and encourage people to get involved. Visitors can work alongside 

researchers, recording data on the distribution of the monkeys in the 

various enclosures. This helps open up discussions about the social habits 

of monkeys and the links to our own habits. Naturally, there are different 

levels of prior knowledge but there is always something to suit everyone. 

Understanding what research is also helps to change any negative 

preconceptions people may have. 

Science sessions are organised for younger children to take part in 

solving puzzles, often duplicating the social learning research carried out 

with the primates. This helps generate discussion about the similarities 

and differences between primates and humans, as well as providing the 

researchers with important data. In 2009, a series of ‘Wild Days Out’ 

were organised for children aged 7-10 to visit Living Links to collect data. 

Each of the visitors carried out structured research and was recorded 

presenting their work. Our aim is to generate discussion, build empathy 

and help people to have the confidence to contribute in a completely 

secure learning environment. For our young visitors we also hope to 

inspire them to consider future science careers. 

Our Global Classroom initiative is another important way in which 

we help students to develop science communication skills, as well as 

get under the skin of global conservation issues. The workshops also 

encourage responsible citizenship, a core element of the new Curriculum 

for Excellence. Over 200 secondary school students took part in our 

conference on reintroductions at the Zoo this year. Students gained 

experience of being field workers by tracking the very large "human 

beaver" in the Zoo, using radio-tracking equipment. A web-link discussion 

with colleagues in Norway also allowed them to ask questions about 

the sourcing and capture of the beavers. The project culminated in an 

animated debate on the reintroduction of wolves, with pupils role-playing 

stakeholder groups including local farmers, the Ramblers Association, the 

Wolf Trust and the Scottish Government. 

Through these and many other education initiatives, our aim is to 

help make science accessible and relevant. Often this means reaching 

people on an emotional level and tapping into first or forgotten feelings of 

wonder in the world around us. 

This page and opposite page: beaver tracking at Edinburgh Zoo

“I am now sure that I would like to be a zoologist.”Science summer school student 

“This was brilliant. 

It made so much 

sense given the 

role of zoos in 

reintroductions.” 

Teacher

18 

Education 

Wild Bus 

RZSS recognises that raising the profile of 

conservation is the first step on the road 

to achieving it. In our centenary year we 

came up with an idea to spread the word 

as far as possible. 


The concept of a dedicated, branded vehicle that would take a message 

out to the furthest corners of Scotland delivered on two counts: raising 

the profile of the Society, and its conservation work, and enabling the 

education team to take science to remote communities. 

The Society was delighted to be awarded a £35,000 Science 

Engagement Grant from the Scottish Government together with £15,000 

from The Gannochy Trust. 

After months of planning, the Wild Bus, a vintage double-decker bus 

wrapped in all the colours of the rainforest, was finally ready in August 

2009. Fiona Hyslop MSP, the incumbent Cabinet Secretary for Education, 

was there to launch the Wild Bus from Edinburgh Zoo. By the end of its 

year-long tour, the bus will have visited 100 schools across Scotland with 

5,000 pupils participating in the lessons onboard. The Wild Bus has been 

all the way north to Thurso and in 2010 it will cross the water to Shetland 

and Lewis. 

On board the specially designed and refurbished bus, children enter 

the world of rainforest discovery. They have the chance to encounter 

snakes, Madagascan hissing cockroaches, giant African land snails and 

stick insects. Handling live animals helps to make the rainforest tangible 

and is an effective way of drawing children’s attention to further learning. 

Teaching through games is another valuable method employed. For the 

older children, games highlight some of the issues faced by rainforests 

including aluminium extraction. Helping the situation by recycling and 

ethical purchasing is much better taught through interactive games than 

lectures. 

The Wild Bus team is led by education officers Geoff de Boer, Dee 

Masters and Debbie Sloan. The staff and animals travel in a support vehicle 

donated by Arnold Clark whilst our dedicated bus driver, David Donald, 

negotiates the roads in the Wild Bus. 

By the end of 2009 the Wild Bus had travelled over 2,200 miles, 

visiting over 50 schools from Glasgow to Wick. The journey of the bus 

is a way to connect communities that has not been explored before and 

although its journey will end in 2010, it will be remembered and talked 

about for a long time to come. And our outreach work will continue 

exploring new and innovative ways we can inspire people across Scotland. 

Opposite page: the Wild 

Bus took part in the 2009 

Edinburgh Festival Cavalcade

“All of.” 

Ja

20 

Education 

Falkland Islands school linking project 

Encouraging children to participate in the 

community, both at a local and global 

level, is something we constantly strive 

to do. In 2009, we launched the School 

Linking Project, a pioneering education 

programme to help school pupils examine 

their locale and compare it with a country 

thousands of miles away. 


As well as developing global citizenship, the aims for the project were to 

support children’s engagement with their local area and to raise awareness 

of relevant conservation issues. The Falkland Islands represented an 

easy choice as a country to work with for several reasons, but primarily 

because we could connect with the conservation work RZSS has been 

doing there for several years. The Society has worked with Falklands 

Conservation on a number of initiatives including the protection of 

penguin nest sites and a census of penguin breeding colonies. 

Sixty schools from across Scotland, three Falkland Islands schools 

and Camp Education (travelling teachers for the Islands) took part in the 

project. Initially pupils worked on native wildlife projects assisted by RZSS 

teacher information packs. Tailored packs were produced for the four age 

groups, with cross-curricular, science and environmental science learning 

outcomes. A species-linking list enabled the schools to do a comparative 

study of the wildlife in the two countries. 

Following this period of study, the schools in both Scotland and the 

Falklands were visited by the Society’s outreach officers and participated 

in a lesson introducing the native wildlife of the linked countries. Lessons 

were taught using innovative resources including a large jigsaw puzzle of a 

map showing wildlife distribution. Discussions centred on the similarities 

and differences between the two countries, including the conservation 

issues of longline fishing, pollution and global warming. 

The final part of the learning experience was a school linking day at 

Edinburgh Zoo that included a live webcam link with school children in the 

Falklands to allow the children to compare their experiences first-hand. 

The RZSS team led by Senior Education Officer, Sandie Robb, 

together with Polly Phillpot, Senior Education Officer and Ruth Miller, 

Education Officer, worked in partnership with Falklands Conservation to 

ensure the success of the project. The reach of the project wasn’t limited 

to mainland Scotland; Sandie and Polly also took the lessons across the 

water to the Orkney Islands. 

The Education team now has a successful model for potential 

future school linking projects and a strong network of contacts for further 

education outreach work. 

Opposite page: Falklands school live link-up and Education 

Officers Sandie Robb and Polly Phillpot in the Falklands

22 

Research 

In many ways 2009 was a pivotal year in terms of 

RZSS’s research potential. Establishing an on-site lab, 

bringing our vet care in-house and forming a dedicated 

research committee have helped us reach a point 

where we can develop our own research themes of 

genetics, ecology, veterinary, nutrition and cognition. 

Our research at Budongo Trail and Living Links, 

together with our ongoing field research in Scotland 

and overseas, produced fascinating results this year. 

These were shared with local community stakeholders, 

national and international organisations as well as the 

many visitors to our parks. 


This page: chimp health care and DNA testing 

Opposite page: work in the new genetics lab; Budongo 

Conservation Field Station; field work in Budongo Forest and 

study site of Barbary macaques in northern Morocco

Associates 

Honorary Research Associates 

Dr Monique Paris, PhD 

IBREAM Research Coordinator, EU base 

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 

University of Utrecht 

The Netherlands 

Prof Andrew Whiten 

Professor of Evolutionary and 

Developmental Psychology and 

Wardlaw Professor of Psychology 

University of St Andrews 

Dr Klaus Zuberbühler 

School of Psychology 

University of St Andrews 

Dr Fred Babweteera 

Budongo Conservation Field Station 

Uganda 

Elizabeth (Betsy) Herrelko 

Psychology Department 

University of Stirling 

Dr Arnaud Desbiez, PhD 

Regional Coordinator RZSS 

Dr Ross McEwing 

Trace Wildlife Forensics Network Ltd 

Dr Rob Ogden 

Trace Wildlife Forensics Network Ltd 

Clare Marsden BSc (Hons) 

University of Glasgow 

Siân Waters MPhil 

Durham University

24 

Research 

Genetics 

Wildlife conservation is increasingly looking 

to genetic research for answers. Information 

about the evolutionary histories of species 

and the role of genetic variation is vital 

in helping to identify what is required to 

sustain species. In 2009, RZSS set up the 

Zoological Genetics Unit (ZGU) to ensure 

it has the capacity to carry out this kind of 

research. 


Geneticists Dr Rob Ogden and Dr Ross McEwing run the Genetics Unit at 

Edinburgh Zoo and carry out the majority of their work in the new on-site 

laboratory. The scientists work closely with our in-house vets, specifically on our 

endangered species breeding programmes and in studying disease. Both scientists 

are directors of TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, a non-profit organisation 

dedicated to the promotion of forensic science in wildlife conservation and law 

enforcement. Wildlife crime is the world’s third largest illegal trade and genetic 

analysis techniques are increasingly used in its prosecution. 

Several projects are currently being developed in Scotland and 

internationally, some of which dovetail with conservation work already 

being carried out by RZSS. These include the evaluation of the Scottish 

wildcat population to determine levels of possible hybridisation with 

domestic cats and the development of new genetic techniques to support 

the reintroduction and monitoring of beavers. Further afield, projects 

include evaluating the European populations of Amur and Sumatran tigers 

to assess the subspecies status of individuals and exploring a study of the 

remote monitoring of leopards and tigers in Asia to allow estimates of 

population size and genetic diversity. 

The ZGU has also begun to work closely with other zoos in Europe 

and the United Arab Emirates to help manage populations of Arabian 

and scimitar-horned oryx. Both species are extinct in the wild and 

planned reintroduction projects are now using DNA analysis to screen 

zoo populations and select the best ‘founder individuals’ for release into 

North Africa and Arabia. Given the low level of genetic diversity in captive 

stocks, this work is essentially to reduce the risk of inbreeding and give 

reintroduced populations the best chance of survival. 

This is the beginning of a really exciting time for RZSS. We are in 

a position to produce groundbreaking research in an emerging field and 

contribute to wildlife conservation more than ever before. 

Opposite page: Dr Ross McEwing and Dr Rob Ogden 

at work in the lab

26 

Research 

Cognitive behaviour 

Studying primates can reveal a wealth of 

information about how the human mind 

has evolved. At Living Links, researchers 

are able to do closer, more controlled 

studies of primate behaviour and cognition 

than is feasible in the wild. Already we 

are gaining fascinating insights into how 

primates understand their environment. 


RZSS works in partnership with the University of St Andrews and the Scottish 

Primate Research Group (SPRG) to generate the research at Living Links. 

Living Links is the first primate research centre within a UK zoo, housing a 

mixed community of brown capuchins and common squirrel monkeys in 

two large indoor and outdoor enclosures with adjoining transparent research 

cubicles. There are four main research projects currently being developed by 

SPRG researchers: welfare; communication and the evolution of language; 

social learning and understanding cause and effect. 

Capuchins and squirrel monkeys live together in the wild and it is 

thought that this is beneficial to both groups but the impact of mixing 

has never been studied. The welfare research project explores this 

hypothesis, recording behavioural data from one group living alone and 

collecting the same measures after mixing. Evidence has shown that the 

different groups do enrich each other’s lives in captivity; friendly exchanges 

including play; and food transfers were regularly observed. 

The communication project involves analysing the monkeys’ vocal 

responses to natural situations including predator detection and foraging. After 

setting up tests and recording the calls, the sounds are compared with calls made 

by monkeys in the wild to see if they are “correct”. They are also analysed to 

see if any features are shared at a basic level with human communication. 

In the wild, capuchins are renowned tool-users, using stones to break nuts 

and sticks to fish for insects. There is evidence to suggest that they learn from 

observing each other but this has been difficult to confirm. At Living Links, we have 

been able to introduce new behaviours and record how these are passed on. 

How monkeys understand their physical and social world is a complex 

area of research. Our nascent project on cause and effect explores the 

monkeys' capacity for understanding their environment, for instance how a 

monkey responds when objects do things that conflict with normal physical 

laws (e.g. defying gravity). 

It is important to acknowledge the months of preparation undertaken 

before research begins and the care taken to ensure the monkeys are 

content. Researchers need extensive knowledge of group hierarchy as 

well as each individual's role. Happily, the monkeys are eager to take part 

in the tests, probably largely due to the papaya rewards although mental 

stimulation is also something they seek. 

The potential that Living Links offers in terms of research can only be 

realised over many years; this really is just the beginning. We look forward 

to continuing to develop research and sharing this with visitors to the centre 

and people around the world. 

Opposite page top: the communication project includes recording 

reactions to predators such as owls; welfare of mixed species 

bottom: cause and effect; social learning research

28 

Research 

Vets 

The work our vets do is essential, not only 

for the welfare of our animal collection 

but also as a crucial source of information, 

relevant far beyond the boundaries of our 

own parks. In 2009, we employed in-house 

vets for the first time. 


In-house vets, Simon Girling and Romain Pizzi, are based at Edinburgh 

Zoo and they also oversee the Highland Wildlife Park though it continues 

to retain the services of a local vet practice. As well as administering 

preventative and curative healthcare, our vets establish and manage 

protocols and are involved in enclosure design, husbandry and training. 

The benefits of in-house vet care include continuity, increased cover and 

improved case management. It also means that RZSS is able to develop 

veterinary research streams. 

We recently established a research committee group with veterinary 

research being one of the five key areas. There are already several 

streams of research being developed including artificial insemination 

for endangered species. Artificial insemination for some of the big cats, 

including an ex-rescue jaguar, is currently being explored. As her genes 

are not represented in the European gene pool, she is unable to mate 

and is therefore an ideal candidate. 

Not long after joining, the vets broke new ground by performing 

the first reported laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy on a reindeer. 

Eskimo, an adult male reindeer, was cryptorchid (absence of one 

or more testes from the scrotum) and his antler development was 

inhibited. The operation to remove the retained testicle was successful 

and Eskimo made a quick recovery, standing within five minutes of the 

anaesthetic wearing off and eating normally within ten minutes. 

Both RZSS vets have pathology backgrounds and have already 

had opportunities to carry out postmortem work. Postmortems 

represent a key source of information, allowing us insight into diseases 

and husbandry practices (diet, quarantine, housing). This information 

can help to prevent future losses within the collection and also provides 

valuable information to share with a wider audience. 

Our vets work closely with other organisations and zoos across 

the country, comparing and sharing findings. They are increasingly 

involved in negotiation with governments, particularly in connection 

with imports and exports for rabies quarantines, and for ex situ and in 

situ projects. Going forward, our vets will be assisted in their research 

by postgrad students training for diplomas in zoological medicine. We 

are also looking forward to the results of their collaboration with our 

genetic scientists in 2010. 

Opposite page: groundbreaking operation; vet Romain Pizzi 

checking on Eskimo and significant media interest

30 

Photo album 

JANUARY 

Chimp vasectomy 

JULY 

New bus livery launched by our CEO 


FEBRUARY 

Darwin year celebrations 

AUGUST 

In-house vets appointed 

MARCH 

Centenary celebrations with our lemurs 

SEPTEMBER 

Wild Bus adventures

APRIL 

Camels travelled north to Highland Wildlife Park 

OCTOBER 

Polar bear moved to Highland Wildlife Park 

MAY 

RZSS hosted BIAZA conference 

NOVEMBER 

King penguin chick 

JUNE 

Flamingo eggs laid 

DECEMBER 

Lesser kudu fawn born

32 

RZSS highlights 


1909 

1910 -1919 

1920 -1929 

1930 -1939 

1940 -1949 

1950 -1959 

• The Zoological Society of Scotland is founded 

This page, above: camel rides; chimp bathtime; elephant 

rides and chimp tea party 

• The first animal to arrive at Edinburgh Zoo was a solan goose (gannet) 

• The penguin pool was built at a cost of £150 

• All naval and military men in uniform were given free access during the Great War 

• The first king penguin was reared and the first sea lion was born 

• Donations included hybrid Scottish wildcats, Sumatran tigers and Texas rattlesnakes 

• Three young sea lions escaped in 1924; one was found within the Zoo grounds and 

two were discovered happily swimming in The Water of Leith 

• The animal collection expanded to include Asiatic lions, Komodo dragons, over 150 

new penguins and a giraffe 

• King George V and Queen Mary visited the Zoo during their Silver Jubilee year 

• The first chimp was born at the Zoo and was also the first chimp born in Scotland 

• Two bombs landed in the Zoo grounds but without causing direct injury to any animals 

• All poisonous snakes were put down at the start of the war due to public 

concern over their escape if a bomb was to destroy their enclosure 

• Boy scouts were engaged to control the mischievous behaviour of youths at the Zoo 

• Many new species arrived at the Zoo: jaguar, giant anteater, three species of birds 

of paradise, concolor gibbons, lorikeets, poison tree frogs and an elephant seal 

• King penguins paraded in Princes Street Gardens 

• The children’s farm opened 

This page left: trumpeting elephant and hand-rearing 

a baby rhino

1960 -1969 

1970 -1979 

1980 -1989 

1990 -1999 

2000-2009 

This page, above: world-famous Penguin Parade; Scrap, the tame cheetah 

and our breeding colony of gentoo penguins 

• The first kiwi in Scotland took up residence at the Zoo 

• Three red kangaroos arrived from Taronga Zoo named Hop, Skip and Jump, together 

with three grey kangaroos named Ready, Steady and Go 

• Scrap the tame cheetah arrived and was taken around the Zoo on a lead 

• A new world-class rhino enclosure was completed 

• The chimps’ tea parties ended 

• Cocky the cockatoo was stolen from the parrot garden and later found alive and well 

in Castlemilk, Glasgow 

• The Zoo’s first gorillas arrived in 1985 and the first gorilla ever to be born in 

Scotland was born at the Zoo in 1989 

• The Society purchased the Highland Wildlife Park 

• Polar bear cub, “Wee Sweetie”, was born and sponsored by Fox’s Glacier Mints 

• Five cheetah cubs were born 

• The ninth European Endangered Species Programme conference was hosted in 

Britain for the first time at Edinburgh Zoo 

• HRH Princess Royal opened the new penguin enclosure 

• Highland Wildlife Park became the UK’s breeding centre for Przewalski’s horses 

• Budongo Forest Project in Uganda became the largest conservation project funded 

by the Society 

• Sapphire the giraffe broke her jaw but was successfully operated on using 

techniques developed for horses 

This page right: Budongo Trail, our groundbreaking chimpanzee enclosure 

and Mercedes, the polar bear, at the Highland Wildlife Park

34 

Finance 

Financial Performance Review 

The Society’s total income for the group increased by 15% to £12.1 million 

(2008: £10.5 million). HWP has performed exceptionally well for the year 

to December 2009. Admissions were 60% higher than in 2008 and this 

resulted in a surplus this year compared to a loss previously. Total visitors 

to our parks continued the upward trend established since 2007, achieved 

despite a continuation of the difficult economic environment, which 

manifests itself in fairly static spends on retail and catering. 

The costs of generating funds was well controlled, with total 

expenditure increased by 5%, resulting in a surplus in movement of funds 

of £256,358 (2008 loss £1,603,781). 

A recovery in the market saw the value of our investments rise by 

£351,122 but this was absorbed by the pension scheme actuarial loss of 

£379,000. 

Reserves Policy 

The Board established a policy for unrestricted reserves: that they should 

be equivalent to at least four months of the minimum resources required 

to sustain activities, estimated to be about £2.1 million. At 31 December 

2009, these reserves stood at £4.3 million. 


Audit and Risk Management Committee 

On behalf of the Board, the Audit and Risk Management Committee 

receive and review quarterly reports from Deutsche Bank Private Wealth 

Management, the Society’s investment managers. During 2009 the value 

of the overall portfolio recovered by 15% to £2.76 million. 

The Committee has reviewed the accounting policies and financial 

statements and discussed them with the Society’s auditors, Baker Tilly UK 

Audit LLP. 

It was felt that it would be good practice, notwithstanding eight 

years excellent service by Baker Tilly, to tender the next statutory audit 

of the Society. A competitive process has resulted in the appointment of 

Henderson Loggie LLP. We thank Baker Tilly for their support. 

The Committee has also reviewed the Society’s business risks, as 

prepared by management, and is satisfied that the system of managing 

risks is reasonably robust – it is now further strengthened and supported 

by the creation of a new internal audit function. 

Max Gaunt FCA 

Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee 

This page: tiger cubs and kulan at the Highland Wildlife Park 

Opposite page: koala at Edinburgh Zoo

36 

The summarised accounts presented 

are derived from the annual accounts, 

which received an unqualified audit 

report from Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP on 

30 April 2010. For a fuller understanding 

of the financial affairs of the Society, 

the statutory financial statements are 

available on the Society's website 

(rzss.org.uk). Alternatively please write 

to the Development Department, The 

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh EH12 6TS. 

Summary accounts 2009 


Consolidated Balance Sheet (Extract) 

As at 31 December 2009 

2009 2008 

£ £ 

Fixed assets 8,373,176 7,869,623 

Investments 2,760,487 2,409,367 

Current assets 

Stocks 278,010 176,858 

Debtors 497,514 305,704 

Cash at bank and in hand 693,057 168,969 

1,468,581 651,531 

Creditors: Amounts falling due 

within one year (1,257,296) (1,927,135) 

Net current assets /(liabilities) 211,285 (1,275,604) 

Total assets less 

current liabilities 11,344,948 9,003,386 

Creditors: Amounts 

falling due after one year (1,663,204) - 

Defined benefit pension (1,155,000) (733,000) 

scheme liability 

Net assets after 

pension deficit 8,526,744 8,270,386 

Funds 

2009 2008 

£ £ 

Unrestricted reserves 

- free reserve 5,449,822 5,193,618 

- pension reserve (1,155,000) (733,000) 

4,294,822 4,460,618 

Restricted funds 3,877,821 3,473,915 

Endowment fund 354,101 371,853 

8,526 ,744 8,270,386

Above: guinea baboon 

Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account 

and Statement of Financial Activities (Extract) 

For the year ended 31 December 2009 

2009 2008 

£ £ 

Incoming resources 

- Voluntary income 1,989,785 1,013,735 

- Activities for generating funds 9,223,401 8,658,943 

- Investment income 463,401 510,216 

- Charitable activities 352,048 293,682 

- Other incoming resources 23,436 37,164 

Total incoming resources 12,052,071 10,513,740 

Resources expended 

- In generating voluntary income 374,734 328,604 

- Costs of goods sold+other costs 5,570,862 5,500,308 

- Investment management costs 3,117 6,878 

- Charitable activities 5,207,661 4,745,944 

- Governance costs 611,461 618,506 

- Other resources expended - 49,373 

Total resources expended 11,767,835 11,249,613 

2009 2008 

£ £ 

Net incoming /(outgoing) 

resources before other 

recognised gains /(losses) 284,236 (735,873) 

Gains /(losses) on investment assets 351,122 (608,908) 

Actuarial (losses) 

on pension scheme (379,00) (259,000) 

Net movement in funds 256,358 ( 1,603,781) 

Balances brought forward at 

1 January 2009 8,270,386 9,874,167 

Balances carried forward at 

31 December 2009 8,526,744 8,270,386

38 

Board, honorary fellows & patrons 


President 

John Spence OBE 

BOARD Elected by the Membership 

Honorary Fellows 

Peter Budd 

Karen Carlton MA FCIPD FRSA 

Donald Emslie (Chair) 

Jane Fraser LLB(Hons) DipLP 

Manus Fullerton (Vice-Chair) MBA FCIB 

Professor Colin Galbraith BSc PhD 

Max Gaunt FCA 

Colin McAndrew MA 

Tessa McGregor MA 

Dr Thomas Mitchell CA 

Christine Patch MA MCIPR 

Professor David Taylor MA PhD VetMB DipECVPH DipECPHM MRCVS 

Professor Ian Aitken OBE (from February 2010) 

Robert Allison (from February 2010) 

The Rt Hon The Viscount of Arbuthnott CBE DSC LLD FRSE KT 

Dr Jean Balfour CBE FIC (For) JP DSc BSc FIBiol FRSA FRSE 

Dick Balharry MBE (from February 2010) 

Keith Chalmers Watson (from February 2010) 

Roy Dennis MBE 

Lady Margaret Elliot MBE MA (from February 2010) 

Henry Elliot BA (Hons) (from February 2010) 

Dr John Francis ARCS PhD DSc FRSG FRSE 

Thomas Huxley 

Alexander Kerr 

Dr Andrew Kitchener BSc PhD (from February 2010) 

James McCarthy BSc (For) 

Jimmie Macgregor MBE 

Walter MacLellan BSc MRCVS 

Dr Peter Maitland BSc PhD FRSE 

Professor Aubrey Manning OBE Dphil RSE 

Captain Harald Misund 

John Mitchell MA (Hons) Cbiol 

Mary Patterson DipEd (from February 2010) 

Dr Miranda Stevenson BA MBA PhD (from February 2010) 

Michael Tomkies 

Professor Roger Wheater OBE FRSE 

Honorary Members 

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT 

Royal Patron 

HRH The Princess Royal KG KT 

Civic Patrons 

The Rt. Hon. George Grubb, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh 

Patrons 

John Fitzgerald 

Jonathan Gray 

Roger and Jean Miller 

Lady Margaret Kitchen 

Ian and Margaret Peggie 

Kate Duthie 

Sir Gerald and Lady Margaret Elliot 

Kira Bowie 

Vivien Wilson 

Joan Furmage 

Alan Morrison 

Alun Grassick 

5 anonymous 

Corporate Partners 

Baillie Gifford 

Lloyds TSB 

The Miller Group 

Arnold Clark 

Veterinarians 

Vet service was supplied and supported by 

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies until July, Zoo vets from August 

Principal Bankers 

Lloyds TSB 

Investment Advisors 

Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management 

Auditors 

Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP 

This page: snow monkey with baby

EDINBURGH 

ZOO 

ARK 

Enterprises Ltd 

HIGHLAND 

WILDLIFE PARK 

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS 

Conservation, 

Education & Research 

CHARITABLE 

OBJECTIVES 

Society structure 



RZSS BOARD 

Chief Executive 

Animals, 

Conservation 

& Education 

Animal welfare & management, 

conservation, research, 

education, school visits, animal 

presentations, interpretation, 

volunteers 

Animal 

Welfare & Ethics 

Committee 

Business 

Operations 

Infrastructure, construction 

projects & property design, build 

& maintenance, gardens, security 

& cleaning, Mansion House, 

restaurants, retail, hilltop safari, 

visitor services, conferences, 

weddings, corporate hospitality, 

events & functions 

Audit & Risk 

Management 

Committee 

Development 

Fundraising, sponsorship, 

membership & adoption, 

marketing, PR, press, advertising, 

publications, graphics, website 

Nominations 

Committee 

Resources 

Financial accounting & reporting, 

payroll, pensions, insurance, 

risk management, VAT, financial 

planning & IT, health & safety, 

organisational development, 

change management, training, 

employee relations, HR systems 

& internal communications

40 

Animal adoption honour role 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following animal adopters for their generous support of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 

Platinum 

£500 PLUS 

AM Pilkingtons Charitable Trust 

Dexter Black 

Alison J Elliot 

Laura Fraser 

Betty & Joan Furmage 

Alun Grassick 

Jonathan Holmes 

Pamela Holmes 

Peter Holmes 

Peter Jowitt 

Lady Margaret Kitchen 

Margaret & George Laing 

Ross Mickel & Catriona Lamb 

Roger Miller 

Alan Morrison 

Kim Scott 

Gold 

£150 TO £499 

AEGON Asset Management 

Catherine Alexander 

Kirsten Alexander 

Kirsty Anderson 

Dr Mary Ann Anderson 

Sandy Anderson 

Stephen Anderson 

Balbardie Primary School 

Gavin Ballingall 

Peter & Barbara Barham 

Midge Bett 

Nancy Black 

Alston Blackshaw 

Aileen Brown 


Walter Brown 

Alix Burton-Rassel 

Pim Bussink 

Rona Button 

Bowser Campbell 

Glenna Campbell 

Campie Primary School 

Casm Family 

Janice R Chambers 

Alison Charlton 

Mrs Kathryn Clark 

Gillian Coates 

Sue Coburn 

Jessie Colthart 

Finlay Coyne 

Craigentinny Dental Health Centre 

Nikki Cram 

Jan Crombie 

John G R Crombie 

Louise D'Ambrosio 

Daisy Davenport 

Carolina De Los Santos Marte 

Anne Dick 

Muriel Dickson 

Hamish Dobie 

Lynne Duff 

Duffy School of Irish Dancing 

Samantha Dukelow 

Edinburgh Tartan Army 

Peter Elliot 

Jane Errington 

Mark G N Ferguson 

Matthew Field 

Donald R Findlay QC 

Ian Finlayson 

Miss R.A.E Firth 

John Fitzgerald 

Flamingo Bathrooms Ltd 

Grace Fowlie 

Arlene Ann Geddes 

Rhona Geddes 

Joy Geekie 

Lisa Gifford 

Irene & Rodger Glenfield 

Stephen, Peter & Sarah Glenfield 

Anne-Louise Graham 

Tony Graham 

Ruairidh & Eilidh Grassick 

Mrs Emily Grassick 

Mary Guthrie 

Sheila J. Guy 

Joyce Hamilton 

The Right Rev Monsignor, 

Eugene Harkness 

Alix Henderson 

Niamh Heron 

Nuala Heron 

Jo Hey 

Rory Higgins 

Paul & Kirsty Holmes 

Louise Hulsman 

Susan M. Jacyna 

James, Rachel & Matthew Joiner 

Mrs Rachel Joiner 

Aidan Johnson 

Albertine & Bernd Kämmerer 

Dr Celina Kelley 

Edith Kelly 

Roisin Kelly 

Nella Lackie 

Ross Mickel & Catriona Lamb 

Ron Lancashire 

Neil Campbell & Karen Lang 

Angus Leslie Melville 

Katie Logan Anderson 

Sarah Lowry 

Mary Mackinnon 

Ronan McArdle 

Chloe Ann McCulloch 

Kelly McFadden 

Andy McKay 

Fiona McKay 

Ryan McNally 

Carol McRae 

Manitou UK Limited 

Carol Melrose 

Amanda Miller 

Kathleen Miller 

David Mitchell 

Susan Scott & Crawford Moyes 

Laura Munro 

Anne Murdoch 

M/V Highland Eagle 

Marjorie Newton 

Natalie Nickelson 

Elizabeth Oliver 

Daniel Outhwaite 

Paulette Overton 

Oxgangs Primary School 

Patricia Peattie OBE 

Mr & Mrs Ian G. Peggie 

Penicuik Nursery 

Robert Picken 

Neil Proven 

Hazel Ramsay 

Nancy Roberts 

Sandra Ross 

Rotary Club of Corstorphine 

RM TSG Team 

Anne Rushbrook 

Dr Frank Rushbrook CBE 

Charles Saddington 

Lesley Sherrit 

Lesley Simmons 

Lynsay Simpson 

Mr Martin Simpson 

Hilary Smith 

Melanie Smith 

St Margaret's School Edinburgh Ltd 

St Peter's Singing Club 

Louise Stommel 

Delia Sutherland 

Brian Taylor 

Fiona Taylor 

Jonah Theurer 

Sue Thomason 

Elizabeth Alex Thomson 

Friends & Family of Mabel Thomson 

Paul Thomson 

Susan Thomson 

Torphichen Kirk Adventurers 

Norman Turner 

Amanda Vickery 

Malcolm D Watson 

Andy Waugh 

Carole Wilson 

Derek Wilson 

Louise Wylie 

Eldon & Anne Zuill 

This page: polar bear, Mercedes

The Society is an active member of the following national and international organisations: The Society is proud to be a member of ASVA, 

and has been awarded 4 stars by VisitScotland: 

International Union for 

Conservation of Nature 

and Natural Resources 

Conservation Breeding 

Specialst Goup 



The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a charity, reference no. SC004064 

which owns and operates Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park 

Edinburgh • EH12 6TS 

Tel 0131 334 9171 • Fax 0131 314 0382 

Email: info@edinburghzoo.org.uk 

Our mission: 

To inspire and excite our visitors with the wonder 

of living animals, and so to promote the conservation 

of threatened species and habitats 

World Association of 

Zoos and Aquariums 

Kincraig • Kingussie • Inverness-shire • PH21 1NL 

Tel 01540 651 270 • Fax 01540 651 236 

Email: info@highlandwildlifepark.org 

European Association 

of Zoos and Aquaria 

British and Irish Association 

of Zoos and Aquariums 

Our aims: 

• Maintain a commercially successful organisation which will enable us to achieve our mission through 

innovative and dynamic management 

• Create for our visitors an exciting and inspiring experience, by ensuring excellence in the 

presentation of our animals, and the highest quality in our visitor facilities and services in a pleasant, safe 

and stimulating environment 

• Value all our staff as our most important resource, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual 

orientation or beliefs, by encouraging communication and involvement at all levels and by ensuring 

development through appraisal and training in line with our business objectives and the individual’s needs 

• Promote through formal, non-formal and informal education activities, an understanding of the inter 

dependence of all living things and a concern for the fragility of ecosystems and threatened species 

• Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare through excellence in animal husbandry and 

enrichment of the animal’s environment 

• Maintain groups of species with high conservation and educational importance, and participate in 

managed conservation programmes for threatened species 

• Support and promote the needs of species conservation in the wild 

• Encourage and enable research to increase our knowledge and understanding of animal science, for 

the benefit of both captive and wild animals 

• Implement and develop the obligations of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy, and the Secretary of 

State’s Revised Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 

• Liaise, co-operate and share information and resources with zoological parks and other organisations 

worldwide concerned with the conservation of species 

• Promote an understanding and appreciation of the importance of conservation amongst the general 

public, policy makers, public bodies and the media 

• Strive for environmental sustainability in all our activities, and ensure energy efficiency 

University of Edinburgh 

Associate Institute 

About us 

The Society is an:



CENTENARY 

1909 - 2009 

• 1909 THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 

WAS FOUNDED • 1919 THE FIRST KING PENGUIN WAS 

REARED, A WORLD FIRST • 1924 CARNEGIE AQUARIUM 

WAS OPENED BY THE EARL OF ELGIN, CHAIR OF 

CARNEGIE UK TRUST • 1939 ANIMAL ADOPTION 

SCHEME BEGAN AND WAS ENTHUSIASTICALLY 

RECEIVED BY THE FELLOWS • 1949 THOMAS 

GILLESPIE RETIRED AT 73 AFTER 40 YEARS IN CHARGE 

• 1955 KING PENGUINS PARADED IN PRINCES ST 

GARDENS • 1966 COAT OF ARMS CONFERRED ON 

THE SOCIETY BY LORD LYON • 1978 THE ADULT 

ZOO ENTRY PRICE INCREASED TO £1.00 • 1986 THE 

HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK WAS ACQUIRED • 1992 

EDINBURGH ZOO HOSTS THE NINTH EUROPEAN 

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAMME CONFERENCE 

AND THE FIRST TO BE HELD IN THE BRITISH 

ISLES; 140 PEOPLE ATTENDED REPRESENTING 62 

INSTITUTIONS FROM 15 COUNTRIES • 2005 BUDONGO 

FOREST PROJECT IN UGANDA BECAME THE LARGEST 

CONSERVATION PROJECT FUNDED BY THE SOCIETY 

rzss.org.uk • edinburghzoo.org.uk • highlandwildlifepark.org

THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND - Edinburgh Zoo

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