Zoo's penguin colony enjoy snow days as temperatures drop across Scotland

Some of the animals at Edinburgh Zoo have been enjoying the colder temperatures.

It’s been a challenging week for some as snow blanketed parts of the country, leaving schools closed and rural communities isolated.

But, for the animals at Edinburgh Zoo, the winter weather has provided much excitement.

Gentoo penguin at Edinburgh Zoo
Gentoo penguin at Edinburgh Zoo

The penguin colony was spotted eagerly snapping at snowflakes, while Cipi the sloth bear and Quill the camel enjoyed exploring in the snow.

Bactrian camel at Edinburgh ZooRZSS
Bactrian camel at Edinburgh Zoo

There will be more for the animals to enjoy in the coming days as a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice covers most of Scotland and is active from midday on Friday through to 3pm on Saturday.

A further yellow warning has also been issued for Sunday, running from 2am until 3pm.

Sun bear at Edinburgh ZooRZSS
Sun bear at Edinburgh Zoo

The latest warnings come as many schools remained closed for a fifth day on Friday, with heavy snow continuing to disrupt travel in some places.

Red river hogRZSS
Red river hog

However, the main routes in the north and north-east have now been cleared.

Visayan deer in snow at Edinburgh ZooRZSS
Visayan deer in snow at Edinburgh Zoo
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Last updated Jan 9th, 2026 at 15:38

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