5 Animals You Should See At ZSL London Zoo

5 Animals You Should See At ZSL London Zoo

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) opened its doors in 1828, making it the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Located in Regent’s Park, ZSL London Zoo is home to over 20,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and gorillas. In addition to its impressive collection of animals, ZSL London Zoo is also home to a variety of educational exhibits and programmes. Visitors can learn about the importance of conservation at the zoo’s ‘Meet the Animals’ talks, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the zoo staff care for the animals. With so much to see and do, Here are top 5 Animals you should see at ZSL London Zoo and where to find them.

5. Pygmy Hippos

ZSL London Zoo is home to a pair of pygmy hippos. The male, named Otis, arrived at the zoo in 2015, and the female, named Lizzie, joined him in 2017. These two hippos are part of a breeding programme for this endangered species. Pygmy hippos are native to Liberia, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. They are much smaller than their relatives, the common hippopotamus, and spend most of their time in rivers and swamps. Due to habitat loss and hunting, the pygmy hippo is classified as endangered. There are thought to be fewer than 3,000 left in the wild. ZSL London Zoo is working hard to raise awareness of this amazing species and its plight in the wild. You can visit Otis and Lizzie in the Pink Zone of ZSL London Zoo.

4. Squirrel Monkeys

The Squirrel Monkey is a small primates that originates from the tropical forests of South America. In the wild, these monkeys live in groups of up to 40 individuals, but they are also very comfortable in captivity and can often be seen in zoos. The Squirrel Monkey is an intelligent and social creature, and it is one of the few species of monkey that can actually recognize itself in a mirror. At ZSL London Zoo, Squirrel Monkeys are kept in a large enclosure that includes both indoor and outdoor spaces. The monkeys are very active and enjoy climbing and swinging. You can find them in Orange Zone of the Zoo.

3. Galápagos Tortoises

Galápagos tortoises are extraordinary. They’re the largest tortoises in the world, they can live for over 150 years, and they carry around huge, bony shells that they can hide inside if they feel threatened. Sadly, despite their size they are gentle giants, and over the last few hundred years they haven’t been too good at fending off predators. ZSL and other organisations are helping keep the tortoises safe, by running field conservation projects in the Galápagos Islands, and finding out about disease threats to Galápagos flora and fauna. See these beautiful creatures in the Orange Zone of the Zoo.

2. Gorillas

Gorillas at ZSL London Zoo are a group of western lowland gorillas. The group is made up of eight members, including silverbacks Kesho and GUGU, females Kusasa and Effie, and youngsters Tumbo, Bomango, Bulu and Komale. The gorillas share their home with a colony of dwarf mongooses, which help to keep the enclosure clean by eating insects. The gorillas are fed a diet of fruits, vegetables and hay, which is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Visitors to the zoo can watch the gorillas at play in the Blue Zone of the Zoo.

 1. Tigers

The tiger is one of the most iconic animals in the world, and at ZSL London Zoo you can get up close to these magnificent creatures. The Zoo’s tigers are all Sumatran tigers, which are an endangered subspecies of tiger. You can see them in the Tiger Territory exhibit, where they share their home with Komodo dragons. The tigers also have access to an outdoor area, where they can enjoy the sunshine and take a dip in their pool. At feeding time, you can watch as the tigers tuck into their dinner, and you might even be lucky enough to see them playing with their enrichment toys. If you want to learn more about these amazing animals, you can attend one of the daily talks or participate in a behind-the-scenes tour. Whether you’re a tiger fan or not, a visit to ZSL London Zoo is an unforgettable experience.

FAQ’s

Why is London Zoo called ZSL?

Since Sir Stamford Raffles founded ZSL in 1826, there have been many achievements at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, as well as in our conservation work in the wild.

How long does it take to walk through London Zoo?

Recommended visiting time for the London Zoo is around two to three hours, depending on how many animals or exhibits you hope to see. It’s highly recommended that you arrive more than a few hours before last entry so you’re not rushed during your visit.

Are there lions at London Zoo?

At ZSL London Zoo we have a pride of four amazing Asiatic lions, made up of one male and three females. Our three females are all sisters and were born here at the Zoo. Rubi is 9 years old and the twins, Indi and Heidi are 7 years old.

Is the London Zoo worth visiting?

In terms of proximity to the animals, the London Zoo is among the best I’ve visited. The Rainforest Wild exhibit, the Meet the Monkeys walk-through, the new lemur walk-through, and a few bird enclosures all lack cages or bars.