The five-year account covers cleaning, security, park presentation, waste disposal and washroom services for the 82-acre site, which receives over 600,000 visitors each year.

Interserve has worked with Edinburgh Zoo since 2013, providing facilities services designed to ensure both animal residents and human guests have the best possible experience and support the zoo’s important conservation and research work. Just one of the changes that the company has introduced includes avoiding wearing high-visibility clothing in certain areas in order not to upset the animals.

As part of its waste operations, the company promotes recycling and upcycling to reduce waste to landfill. The team’s approach to litter removal is especially important for the zoo’s penguins, who can become ill from eating debris such as cigarette ends and lollipop sticks left around the site.

Interserve has removed its diesel vehicles from across the site and invested in electric vans to support animal welfare. It is also working with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Green Team to educate visitors about how they can minimise their environmental impact through its Paws vs Plastic campaign.

Jeff Flanagan, managing director - commercial at Interserve, said that Interserve was proud to be supporting the much-loved attraction: “Edinburgh Zoo holds a special place in many people’s hearts and we’re pleased to be extending our partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to ensure it continues to delight and educate people for years to come. It’s a challenging but exciting place to work and our teams work in close partnership with the zoo to meet customers’ high expectations while respecting the needs of its animal residents.”

Bruce Ritchie, head of business operations and visitor experience at Edinburgh Zoo, underlined the importance of having a partner who supported the zoo’s scientific and educational role: “Edinburgh Zoo is an important shop window for RZSS’ zoological research and conversation work and helps us to educate the next generation about the need to protect our environment and animal welfare. Interserve understands the significance of our work and plays a key role in keeping the zoo running, making sure it looks its best for our many visitors as well as providing a safe and comfortable home for our animals.”