Can you believe the Edinburgh Zoo was officially opened 119 years ago today?
With pandas, giraffes and the famous penguin parade, Edinburgh Zoo has long been one of Edinburgh most famous attractions, with locals and tourists from all over the world flocking to see the world famous zoo.
Modelled on Hamburg’s Tierpark Hagenbeck Zoo in Germany, it has housed some of the world’s most loved animals over its history, with three king penguins arriving in 1914, supplied by the Christian Salvesen whaling expedition which docked in Leith.
In more recent times, it has grown to a family of sloths, five male Baringo giraffes, a baby red panda and three endangered Przewalski's horses – all of which have proven huge pulls to visitors.
And on today, its 119 year anniversary, there’s no better way to look over the history of the Edinburgh Zoo than the following 12 photos of it throughout its history.
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. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 29: Dharma the Sumatran tiger yawns as members of the public return to Edinburgh Zoo as it opens for the first time following the easing of Scottish Governments lockdown restrictions on June 29, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Outdoor visitor attractions in Scotland have reopened along with many non-essential retailers after more than three months in lockdown, as Scotland moves into phase 2 of its "route map" for easing coronavirus restrictions. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Dharma the Sumatran tiger yawns as members of the public return to Edinburgh Zoo in 2020. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Photo: Jeff J Mitchell
. On a walk
Dumbo, the zoo's baby elephant, enjoys a stroll with a few friends in August 1958. Photo: Unknown
. Knighthood
'Nils Olav' the penguin receives his knighthood from the Nowegian King's Guard at the Edinburgh zoo, on August 15, 2008. A penguin called Nils waddled into the history books Friday when he was knighted by a visiting royal Norwegian regiment in Scotland. The king penguin -- full name Nils Olav -- became the first black-and-white pint-sized Norwegian Sir with wings after inspecting the Norwegian King's Guard, over for Edinburgh's annual Military Tattoo. Photo: ED JONES
1. On a walk
Dumbo, the zoo's baby elephant, enjoys a stroll with a few friends in August 1958. Photo: Unknown
2. Knighthood
'Nils Olav' the penguin receives his knighthood from the Nowegian King's Guard at the Edinburgh zoo, on August 15, 2008. A penguin called Nils waddled into the history books Friday when he was knighted by a visiting royal Norwegian regiment in Scotland. The king penguin -- full name Nils Olav -- became the first black-and-white pint-sized Norwegian Sir with wings after inspecting the Norwegian King's Guard, over for Edinburgh's annual Military Tattoo. Photo: ED JONES
3. Two's a pair
A zoo worker holding a pair of leopard cubs at Edinburgh Zoo in June 1935. Photo: Fox Photos
4. A South American Boa Constrictor Snake
Edinburgh Zoo Director Donald Bowles shows South American Boa Constrictor Snake to visitors. Photo: ANL/Shutterstock