The ZSL London Zoo was established in 1828 as a scientific zoo for the study of animals but did not open to the public until 1847. It is still located on its original site at the northern end of the huge Regent's Park in inner London with Regent's Canal running through the middle of the zoo. Today, it contains over 800 different animal species!
But in the 1990s, the zoo faced closure due to financial problems largely brought on by its old-fashioned housing of animals in cages. Since then it has reinvented itself by "bringing down the bars" and by building enclosures for the animals which mirror their natural habitats.
Some of ZSL London Zoo's highlights include the newly built Tiger Territory, an Indonesian-themed habitat built specifically for the critically-endangered Sumatran tigers. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, visitors can admire these amazing cats from up close!
The Gorilla Kingdom, opened in 2007, is built to resemble a Central African environ and is home to Western Lowland Gorillas. Learn about these large creatures with interactive displays and activities as you wind your way through the African jungle.
Or hit the beach at the Penguin Beach exhibit ! Don't miss the chance to get up close and even touch a penguin with the zoo's "Meet the Penguins" experience.
Camden Town tube is the closest underground station and there are buses that run past the zoo from Camden. From the other side of the park, Baker Street or Regent's Park tube stations are closest with buses that run past the zoo. If you like walking and also want to see London's native wildlife of squirrels, ducks and pigeons, you can walk to the zoo through the park.
