ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo houses a wonderful range of reptiles, fish, invertebrates, birds and mammals. It is home to huge numbers of animals with more than 16,000 individual animals at London and over 720 species it is one of the world’s largest collections. London Zoo is the world oldest scientific zoo.

It was opened in London on 27 April 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually opened to the public in 1847. As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is well known for its massive efforts at conservation and breeding programmes. Of the more than 650 species at ZSL London Zoo, 112 are listed as threatened in the Red Data Books. ZSL London Zoo participates in breeding programmes for 130 species.

The ZSL was founded in 1826 by a number of leading scientists to create a collection of animals for study at leisure. Charles Darwin is one of its most famous members.

Famous Animals

Winnie was an American black bear who was deposited at the Zoo in 1914 by a Canadian lieutenant at the start of the First World War. She was visited by A.A. Milne and his son Christopher and lives on in the stories of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin.

On Guy Fawkes Day 1947, a small gorilla arrived at the Zoo clutching a tin hot-water bottle. Guy became one of the Zoo's best loved characters.

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or in person at the entrance. With fast track and family saver tickets, the quickest and cheapest way to get into ZSL London Zoo is by booking online in advance. There are discounts offered for off-peak entrance and other concessions are also available, it is worth checking the website before buying tickets.

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ZSL London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Last admission is one hour before advertised closing time.

Dates                                            Opening        Closing
From 6th March until 16th July*     10.00            17.30
From 17th July until 5th Sept*       10.00            18.00
From 6th Sept until 30th Oct         10.00            17.30

*opening extended until 6pm on some bank holidays weekends.

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