ASVA E-ZINE

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine

asva.co.uk [email protected] 07458 306982

Dinosaurs to arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

January 2015

A collection of long-lost giants will shortly arrive at Edinburgh Zoo to raise awareness about the very real threat of extinction faced today by many endangered species.

This April will see the start of a six month dinosaur exhibition at Edinburgh Zoo. The exhibition will feature 14 incredible life size animatronic model creatures (11 adults, 2 babies and a nest) who will be taking up residence at the top of the hill.

Chris West, CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "The exhibition will offer us the opportunity to engage RZSS with very large audiences, directly raising awareness about the very real threat of extinction and telling the stories of our living collection. This will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the evolutionary connection between dinosaurs and birds and examine the threats faced in the wild of the animals that can be seen at Edinburgh Zoo and at Highland Wildlife Park, and what we are doing to safeguard their future."

The exhibition will position the visitor as an explorer of the prehistoric age, with key messages presented in a fun and engaging way, that link the project back to RZSS' mission statement - 'connecting people with nature and safeguarding species from extinction'.

Chris West continued: "The exhibition will allow visitors to explore a lost world of creatures that were on planet earth up to 65 million years ago and to rediscover the natural world of today, which we are at risk of losing if we don't alter some patterns of our behaviour. We hope that the amazement and wonder of our visitors will be a spark that ignites interests in other chapters of the conservation story. The exhibition is expected to bring in a net financial benefit to support the overall charitable mission of RZSS."

Edinburgh Zoo's dinosaur exhibition will run from April to October 2015. Set within a specially designed landscape, the exhibition will be fun and exciting to capture the imagination of visitors, young and old, through the sheer scale of dinosaurs; their ferocity, individual adaptations and 'other worldliness'. The large scale display will feature engaging interpretation and include presenters who will help bring the exhibition further to life. Key areas of focus will be extinction, evolution, and paleontology. In line with the Curriculum for Excellence, the exhibition will be a valuable learning zone for Scottish school children.

« back

Member News

Stirling Old Town Jail Awarded Coveted Five-Star Grading by VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme
Stirling Old Town Jail has proudly achieved a prestigious five-star grading from the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme.
Read more »

Edinburgh Zoo Named Best Zoo in Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.
Read more »

Summerlee Celebrates Four Millionth Visitor
Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.
Read more »

Research Reveals Da Vinci Code Impact at Rosslyn Chapel - 21 Years After Publication
Visitors to Rosslyn Chapel are still strongly influenced by its role in The Da Vinci Code according to new research undertaken to mark the 21st anniversary of the book, which was first published on 18th March 2003.
Read more »

Internationally Acclaimed Artists Join Kelpies Tenth Anniversary Celebrations
The creator and sculptor of the iconic Kelpies at The Helix, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Andy Scott, has returned to Scotland from his home in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the world- renowned equine structures, as the latest star to perform at Kelpies 10 on 27 April 2024, is announced.
Read more »

The Search is on for Scotland’s Nature Tourism Champions
Whether you are a pioneering business or a collaborative partnership, this is your moment to be celebrated. With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people and initiatives protecting Scotland’s nature – open to all.
Read more »

Major Exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk to Open at V&A Dundee
The fascinating story of the style, appeal and influence of the kimono is explored in a major exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Saturday 4 May.
Read more »

The National Trust for Scotland Launches Global Access to its Robert Burns Collection
Over 2,500 historic items from the National Trust for Scotland’s internationally important collections from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are now available to explore from anywhere in the world.
Read more »

Verdant Works Undergoes Brand Refresh with Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Scotland’s only jute museum, founded in a refurbished 1833 mill in the heart of Dundee - the city once coined ‘juteopolis’ - has undergone a brand refresh, with thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Read more »

Introducing ‘LemurLounge’: A New Chapter in Enrichment at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park are proud to announce their latest collaboration with researchers from the University of Glasgow to introduce groundbreaking enrichment for zoo lemurs.
Read more »

Learn About 17th Century Medicine at The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close launched its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time.
Read more »

Aberdeen Science Centre Promotes Inclusivity with New Sensory Space
Aberdeen Science Centre has introduced a new Sensory Space to support visitors that could feel overwhelmed or overstimulated whilst at the centre.
Read more »

Get Your Quack On! Dalkeith Country Park to Host Doddie Duck Race in Support of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Grab your rubber duckies and mark your calendars because Dalkeith Country Park is gearing up for a quack-tastic charity event - the Doddie Duck Race!
Read more »