London Zoo

London Zoo, the most famous Zoo in the world, is situated on the north side of Regent's Park. London Zoo first became established in 1828, housing animals for scientific study. The Zoo didn't open to the public until 1847. The first Reptile House was opened in 1849, the first Public Aquarium in 1853, followed by the Insect House in 1881 and Children's Zoo in 1938.

London Zoo is a conservation centre housing more than 650 species, of which 112 species are listed as threatened. The Zoo participates in breeding programmes for 146 species.

The 36-acre site is spread over three areas of garden, which are linked by bridges and tunnels. You will be delighted by the huge variety of animals you can see; there are Invertebrates, Reptiles, Fish, Birds, and Mammals includng Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos and Bears. The Zoo has several Recommended Routes for you to follow, taking in areas for your specific interest.

London Zoo has many special events during weekends, bank holidays and school holiday times, allowing opportunities for children to touch and feed some of the animals.

In the Children's Zoo, you can see the Camels and feed the pigs. Discover all about Reptiles in the Reptile House and enjoy the fascinating hands-on displays: on Fridays you can feed the snakes! On Three Island Pond, you can see the Pelican's dinner party tricks, marvel as they expertly catch the fish thrown to them by their keeper. At specific times, you can feed the fish in the Aquarium, or the Penguins at the Penguin Pool. Animal rides are available, starting from the Riding Square.

See the Asian Lions on the Lion Terraces. In the Elephant Paddock, you can see the Asian Elephants being weighed or enjoying Elephant bath time. On Bear Mountain you will see Sloth Bears and Monkeys.

London Zoo has several buildings of architectural interest. Decimus Burton who designed the Tudor style Clock Tower, also designed the Giraffe House in Neo-classical style. The large aluminium framed tent of the Aviary, was the inspired design of Lord Snowdon. Berthold Lubetkin who was responsible for the Round House also designed the spiral Penguin pool in the 1930's.