Memories

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) invites you to step back in time as we unveil our newly digitised and documented archive.

Created in partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections, the exciting findings reveal the rich history behind one of world’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.

The collection dates back to the founding of RZSS in 1909 and explores the early vision of Thomas Haining Gillespie, whose ambition was to create a place where nature is protected, valued and loved. Through photographs, letters, maps and original papers, the archive captures the wildlife conservation charity origins, the opening of Edinburgh Zoo on 22 July 1913, and defining moments from more than 110 years ago.

The trams that passed by our majestic gates on Corstorphine Road were adorned with posters, which we bring to you now with our Memories series.