Opening in 1828, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. And while it was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study, it was opened to the public in 1847 and has delighted and educated patrons ever since.
From housing the only living quagga ever photographed before the species became extinct in the wild, to WWII bombings shutting down the zoo for a time, and conservation efforts helping endangered animals, London Zoo has a rich history and continues to be a staple in modern society.
The more we learn about species and the more we aim to protect them, the better the world is. London Zoo is filled to the brim with amazing and interesting animals, so here are a few to make you go wild!
Asiatic Lions
There are only 600-700 Asiatic lions left in the wild, and they only live in the Gir Forest, India. However, at London Zoo you can see Bhanu the lion, Arya the lioness and their three cute cubs, Mali, Syanii and Shanti, in the Land of the Lions. Born in Spring 2024, the two boys and one girl play a massive role in the conservation of the Asiatic lions. London Zoo has support partners in India who help safeguard the big cats in their last remaining wild habitat.
Sumatran tigers
Located in Tiger Territory, you can see Asim, Gaysha and their cub, Crispin. With their striking display of colours, the feisty felines are not only stunning to look at but incredibly important to the conservation of their unique species. There are only 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, and those at London Zoo are part of a collaborative global breeding programme to help bring the amazing creatures back from the brink of extinction. Watch as the tigers climb trees or simply relax and snuggle up to one another.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Head to the Gorilla Kingdom and see the troop of Western Lowland gorillas – there are plenty hanging about. You can see Kiburi, the young silverback who weighs a whopping 192kg, and females Effie and her daughter Venus, and Mjukuu and her daughters Alika and Juno and her surrogate son, Gernot. These primates are fascinating to observe, and you might even see a bit of yourself in them.
Pygmy hippos
Smaller than common hippos, pygmy hippos are primarily found in West Africa. However, at London Zoo, you can see the marvellous creatures in the Into Africa habitat. Pygmy hippos are adapted to a land-dwelling lifestyle with fewer webbed toes and a smaller head compared to common hippos, and love sleeping and soaking. That’s why at London Zoo; the pygmy hippo enclosure has solar panels to ensure the pond is warm and comfortable all year long. With less than 2,500 pygmy hippos left in the wild, the Zoo is part of their important conservation.
Humboldt penguins
Head to Penguin Beach to see the Humboldt penguins swimming and frolicking in their specially made enclosure – a recreation of a South American beach landscape. It is the biggest penguin pool in England at 1,200 sqm and holds 450,000 litres of water. The medium-sized penguins love to ‘fly’ gracefully through the water and enjoy eating small fish and crustaceans. You can even meet some of the famous birds during the London Zoo Penguin Keeper Experience.
Reptiles and Amphibians
If you want to see scaly creatures or slimy species, then The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians is the place to visit. It’s a new hub for science and conservation filled with salamanders, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes! From the world’s most venomous snake, the King cobra, to the critically endangered freshwater Philippine crocodile, and the Mallorcan midwife toad, you can learn about a whole range of species and why their presence in the wild is so crucial.
Nocturnal animals
There are many animals at London Zoo that sleep during the day and come alive at night. Step into the darkness and let your eyes adjust as you tiptoe through the world of interesting species. From aye-ayes to bushbabies and slow lorises, see how these animals live after the team at London Zoo turns off the lights.
Ready to see these animals and so much more? Quit monkeying around and get your London Zoo tickets today! If you want more savings, select Golden Pass for access to London Zoo and many other great attractions.