Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

RZSS's two zoos, Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, are gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature, learn about the challenges facing wildlife and discover how RZSS harness conservation science and animal care expertise alongside the unique power of the RZSS family – the charity’s teams, supporters and partners – to save animals from extinction.

Thanks to the longstanding commitment of the Postcode Planet Trust, RZSS has continued and expanded upon many vital projects in Scotland and around the world. The charity is celebrating this wonderful relationship by gifting sponsorship of one of the breath-taking Giraffe About Town sculptures that will be on display across Edinburgh this summer.

The wildlife conservation charity is working with creative producers Wild in Art to present Giraffe About Town – a large-scale public art event in Scotland’s capital starting on Friday 1 July 2022.

David Field, RZSS chief executive, said, “Following a wonderful welcome for our real-life giraffes in their new hilltop home at Edinburgh Zoo, we now want to share these majestic giants with the city of Edinburgh and visitors from around the UK and the world, through a stunning, family- friendly art trail.

“Giraffe About Town will help local people and tourists fall in love with Edinburgh all over again by encouraging them to get out about town and explore these beautiful sculptures, while at the same time supporting the recovery of our wildlife conservation charity.

“The trail is one way we can say thank you and bring a feelgood factor back to Edinburgh with something truly special.”

More than 40 huge giraffe sculptures will be sponsored by local businesses, community groups and education organisations and decorated by amazing artists and communities – all designed to celebrate Edinburgh’s extraordinary heritage and cultural diversity.

The sculptures will be displayed in locations across the city creating a stunning free trail highlighting hidden gems and iconic locations for local people and visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy.

Following a fabulous farewell weekend at Edinburgh Zoo in September where they will all be shown together, the giraffe sculptures will be auctioned at a special event to raise funds to support the charity’s pledge to reverse the decline of at least 50 species by 2030.

So, get ready to look up and keep an eye out for the players of People’s Postcode Lottery giraffe on the trail.

Click to find out more about Giraffe About Town and more about the RZSS mission and pledges.