Who doesn't love the Zoo? Come on!\n\nSet in central Edinburgh at Corstorphine, upon winding your way up to the entrance you are transported from the main road to a magical animal kingdom. For \u00a315 (which includes a donation charge towards the Zoo's animals). When you enter this world, you are met with a wide variety of animals that thrive in the large space they are given in their enclosure. It's likely you'll first be met with the beautiful flamingos, the cute otters and the rare and beautiful ibis, but there are so many birds and mammals that it'; take you hours to get around.\n\nFollowing the Zoo's paths that wind up the hill, you will then be met with the Budungo trail, one of Edinburgh Zoo's most recent investments. The monkeys thrive in excellent conditions with plenty of space and trees to climb! You can see them outside or you can watch them from the cover of inside as they have built a massive auditorium. There are often talks and conferences held in this space that the visitors also have access to.\n\nThe Safari truck, complete with tarpaulin covering, will take you around the park at various times in the day come rain or shine. If you choose to take on the zoo by foot you will, however, not be disappointed or exhausted as there are simply too many animals to see. My personal favourites are the maned wolves, the big cats and the lazy hippo who is often seen flat out on her back. The lions are sometimes seen spooning, fast asleep beside each other and the wild cats are as majestic and untempered you'd expect.\n\nI love watching the monkeys, which on one occasion played out to be a massive argument amongst the family. It looked like the female chimp was getting on the male's nerves as she kept sneaking up behind him and swinging on a rope to smack him on the head with her feet. Grandad was looking on with wisdom and disdain while we were doubled up in hysterics.\n\nBut my personal favourite has to be the world famous Penguin Parade. The penguins are a great watch, often hilarious in the way some dive into the water to the detrement of their sleepy neighbours sitting alongside them. Watching them waddle around the park in an orderly fashion is absolutely brilliant. You can see some of the younger ones wearing their plummage. People love this parade so much that Norway knighted one of them. Sir Nils can be seen with his entourage at 2.15 in the afternoon, marching along with the rest of them.\n\nWith various places to grab an ice cream en route, the Zoo is deceptively huge when you're inside. When you make it to the top you can reward yourself with a wee seat while you watch the neighbouring wildlife. There's something surreal about watching the zebras gracefully gallop around in a Scottish setting, as if the panoramic view of Edinburgh wasn't wonderful enough. I love taking a minute up here to look over the park and in the winter it makes a beautiful setting to watch the sun go down.\n\nI have countless fond memories of the zoo, which started with the yawning koalas and ended with a monkey that looked like Anthony Hopkins. If you enjoy animal magic, you'll love it. \n\nI've talked this place up and don't even have space to mention how awesome their gift shop is!
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