The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2026 as a science-driven conservation charity. Anna Frame reports.
From a Coquimbo fox attacked by a honey badger to wartime plans to evacuate dangerous animals, staff at London Zoo have kept a meticulous record of ‘daily occurrences’ since 1828. In its early days, the must-visit attraction in Regent’s Park only admitted the fellows of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), but by 1847, the public was allowed through its 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 over the fence like a Jack in the Box).
Animal Stock Take
Celebrations are taking place throughout the year to mark the 200th birthday of ZSL, the conservation charity behind the zoo. It kicked off 2026 with its annual ‘stock take’ when Humboldt penguins, Asiatic lions, Seychelles millipedes and capybaras were just some of the thousands of animals being counted. See them up close for yourself, and discover more about the zoo through special exhibitions and events.
Themed Tours
You can also join a 200th Anniversary Tour, where guides will share insights into the zoo’s
animals, people and architecture. This month’s tour, Women and Wildlife (1 & 21 Mar), meets trailblazers such as Evelyn Cheeseman, who became the Insect House’s 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 ring-tailed lemurs of the fairer sex 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
Arts and crafts activities are also on offer if you can tear your kids away from the
animals (the chocolate prizes should help). You’re spoilt for choice, too, with the zoo’s experiences. The Capybara Encounter, for example, lets you meet these docile and hugely sociable creatures – no doubt you’ll be tempted to sneak one home with you in your suitcase.
