Behind the scenes footage of RZSS

Love Your Zoo week has returned for a third year, and is being celebrated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) by releasing behind the scenes videos.

Created by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the week-long campaign raises awareness about the conservation, education and research that is carried out by zoos across the UK.

During the week, videos have been published from Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, giving a glimpse of what goes on at the RZSS – the charity that owns and manages both attractions.

Sneak-peaks are given into the unusual work of a zoo veterinary surgeon, including footage of big cat vaccinations, penguin health checks and an ultrasound being performed on a giant African land snail.

There are also clips of native species and Scottish native species at the wildlife park, as well as a focus on pine martens and wildcats.

"It is wonderful to give people a sneak peek behind the scenes at Edinburgh Zoo and to have the chance to focus on native species at the Highland Wildlife Park during the Year of Natural Scotland," said Chris West, CEO of the RZSS.

"Many people may not realise the kind of varied and specialist work our veterinary team carry out on a weekly basis and the important conservation work taking place on Scottish native species. Love Your Zoo Week is the perfect opportunity to take time to tell these stories and to share insight."

Love Your Zoo week ran from May 25 to 30, with more than 50 zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres taking part across the UK.

Kirsten Pullen, CEO of BIAZA, commented: "We want people to understand why it is important to visit their local BIAZA zoo or aquarium. Zoos do a lot more than provide a fun day out. They are helping safeguard the future of vulnerable species and getting visitors closer to nature so hopefully they are inspired to make a difference."

Click here to view footage from RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and here to view footage from RZSS Highland Wildlife Park.

For further information about Love Your Zoo, click here.

Image courtesy of RZSS