Inside the Zoo

Life inside Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park might appear to be a constant round of basic feeding, cleaning and caring for the 3,000-plus residents, but for the keepers the job goes way beyond fulfilling the daily necessities.

Behind the scenes with giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang, where every aspect of their lives is monitored, and nothing is too much trouble. Under the care of Alison and Sharon, Tian Tian keeps everyone guessing as to whether she is pregnant.

The Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are bursting with babies. Great news for conservation and international breeding programmes, and a delight for keepers and visitors alike. Edinburgh Zoo has a new and rather shy Queensland koala joey.

Keeping everyone at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park fed and watered on a daily basis requires precision planning and careful budgeting.

With the focus on the well-being of the animals, 'enrichment' is used to maintain both physical and mental health, and by providing challenges and stimulation, the keepers aim to replicate natural behaviours different species would have in the wild. So, while the female meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo forage for tasty insects in a ball pit set up by keeper Michael, at Highland Wildlife Park keeper Sophia gets busy laying scent trails for the wolverines Xale, Tina and family.

Progress is slow at Edinburgh Zoo as senior keeper Erika patiently attempts to win the confidence of Sumatran tigress Dharma, who doesn't seem too interested in training. Meanwhile, barn owls Rowan and Cedar are put through their paces.