A feasibility study has been launched by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to consider whether a move would be worthwhile.

BBC Scotland's Sean Brickell reports from Edinburgh

Other options for the future of the zoo, which attracts 500,000 visitors every year, are also being considered.

At present the zoo occupies 82 acres on Edinburgh's Corstorphine Hill, but it is thought that redevelopment to bring it up to standard could be too costly.

Edinburgh Zoo attracts thousands of visitors

Dr David Waugh, director of the zoo, said: "We are already internationally nationally renowned for our breeding programmes and conservation work and it is vital that we look into any idea that might help us further our aims.

"It could be that relocating would greatly assist us in our efforts to build a world class zoo with unmatched facilities for animals, staff and visitors."

A special committee has been set up to look at the zoo's options with the help of an independent consultant.

Zoological society members, zoo visitors and sponsors as well as outside agencies like Edinburgh City Council and the Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited will also be asked to get involved in the consultation process.