ZSL London Zoo is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2026 as a science-driven conservation charity. Anna Frame reports.
From a Coquimbo fox injured by a honey badger to World War II plans on evacuating dangerous animals, the staff at ZSL London Zoo have kept a meticulous record of ‘daily occurrences’ since 1828. In its early days, however, the Regent’s Park beacon only admitted the fellows of the Zoological Society of London, but by 1847, the public was allowed through its towering gates.
Over the decades, the zoo forged a pioneering path. The world’s first reptile house opened, followed swiftly by the first public aquarium and one of the earliest insect houses. Even today, the Victorian-era Giraffe House is still being used for its original purpose (from the road outside, you can often see a giraffe popping up like a Jack in the Box).
Animal Stock Take
This year is very special as ZSL London Zoo is celebrating its 200th birthday as a science-driven conservation charity. It kicked off this momentous year with its annual animal ‘stock take’ when Humboldt penguins, Asiatic lions, corals, Seychelles millipedes and capybaras were some of the 8,000 animals being counted. See them up close for yourself, and discover more about the zoo through special exhibitions exploring its innovative past and its future as a global conservation charity.
Themed Tours
You can also join a 200th Anniversary Tour (there’s a new theme every month), where guides will share insights into the zoo’s animals, people and architecture. This month’s Women and Wildlife Tour (1 & 21 Mar) introduces visitors to female trailblazers including Evelyn Cheeseman, who became the Insect House curator in 1920. Joan Proctor, meanwhile, helped to design the original Reptile House – Harry Potter fans will recognise it from The Philosopher’s Stone, where our hero discovered his ability to talk to snakes. Female animals are under the spotlight too – bet you didn’t know that female ring-tailed lemurs are bosses in their households?
Family Experiences
Look out, too, for family-friendly Easter activities – the Zoonormous Egg Hunt (28 Mar-12 Apr) challenges little ones to search for six giant eggs hidden around the site.
Squirrel Monkeys at London Zoo enjoy Easter eggs 2 | © London Zoo
Find the secret letters, solve riddles and tackle clues before claiming a chocolate prize after completing the trail. Arts and crafts activities are also on offer, if you can tear your kids away from the animals.
You’re spoilt for choice, too, with the zoo’s special experiences. A behind-the-scenes Capybara Encounter lets you meet these endearing creatures and you may be lucky enough to see them swimming. You could even stay overnight in a wooden lodge, within roaring distance of the lion enclosure, and pretend you’re in the African savannah. It’s an unforgettable experience.
