London Zoo

London Zoo, officially known as the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) London Zoo, is one of the world's oldest scientific zoos. It was opened on 27 April 1828 and is located in Regent's Park, London, England. The zoo is managed by the Zoological Society of London, a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

History

The London Zoo was established by the Zoological Society of London in 1826 and opened to the public in 1847. It was initially intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. The zoo has been a pioneer in the field of zoology and conservation, being the first to open a reptile house (1849), a public aquarium (1853), an insect house (1881), and a children's zoo (1938).

Exhibits

London Zoo is home to a wide variety of exhibits, each designed to replicate the natural habitat of the animals it houses. Some of the notable exhibits include:

• Gorilla Kingdom: Opened in 2007, this exhibit provides a naturalistic environment for a group of western lowland gorillas.
• Tiger Territory: Opened in 2013, this exhibit is home to Sumatran tigers and is designed to mimic the dense forests of Indonesia.
• Land of the Lions: Opened in 2016, this exhibit recreates the Gir Forest National Park in India and is home to a pride of Asiatic lions.
• Penguin Beach: The largest penguin pool in England, home to a colony of Humboldt penguins.

Conservation and Research

The Zoological Society of London is heavily involved in conservation and research efforts worldwide. The zoo participates in breeding programs for endangered species and conducts research in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation science. The ZSL Institute of Zoology is a world-renowned research center that focuses on the study of biodiversity and conservation.

Education and Outreach

London Zoo offers a variety of educational programs for schools and the general public. These programs aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity. The zoo also hosts special events and workshops throughout the year to engage visitors in conservation efforts.

Also see

• Zoological Society of London
• Regent's Park
• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
• World Association of Zoos and Aquariums