The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has recently garnered media attention due to a series of notable events at its facilities. Edinburgh Zoo has been in the spotlight for its cuteness contest featuring Haggis, a newborn pygmy hippo, against Moo Deng, a mini hippopotamus from Thailand that gained viral fame. Additionally, the society faced scrutiny following the tragic incident involving a three-month-old animal named Roxie, who choked during fireworks on Bonfire Night. These incidents, alongside the relocation of Honshu, a Japanese macaque, to form a new troop at Edinburgh Zoo, have kept the RZSS in the public eye.
Founded in 1909 by Thomas Haining Gillespie, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a learned society and registered charity based in Edinburgh. Its mission is to promote the conservation of wildlife and habitats through education, research, and breeding programs. The society operates both Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, focusing on animal welfare and biodiversity. Over the years, RZSS has played a significant role in conservation efforts, both locally and globally, making it a key player in the field of zoology and wildlife preservation in Scotland.