London Zoo Visitor Information

By Laura Porter, About.com Guide

London Zoo opened in 1827 as the world's first scientific Zoo. Its focus is on conservation and it has long-term breeding programs for 130 species as well as extensive education programs. I have heard London Zoo is so old it is actually where the word 'zoo' originates from.

Decimus Burton was the Zoo's official architect from 1826 to 1841 and laid out the grounds which includes some iconic architecture. Many other leading architects have since contributed to the built environment of the Zoo, creating a collection of buildings that includes two Grade I and eight Grade II listed structures.

London Zoo is run by The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

London Zoo houses more than 750 species of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates.

Note, there are no elephants at London Zoo as they have all been moved to Whipsnade Wildlife Park (outside of London) where they have better facilities for such animals.

Aquarium
The world's very first aquarium opened at London Zoo in 1853. They actually invented the word 'aquarium' - a shortening of 'aquatic vivarium', the old name for a fish enclosure. The aquarium was moved to its current large building in 1924. It has three big halls and is 150 yards long.

London Zoo has been used as a Harry Potter Film Location in London.

1. London Zoo Introduction
2. London Zoo Opening Hours
3. How To Get to London Zoo
4. London Zoo Ticket Information
5. London Zoo Visitor Facilities
6. London Zoo Daily Events
7. London Zoo Access
8. London Zoo Highlights
9. London Zoo Photos
10. London Zoo Old Penguin Pool Photos

Previous

• London Zoo Introduction
• London Zoo Opening Hours
• How to Get to London Zoo
• London Zoo Ticket Information
• London Zoo Visitor Facilities
• London Zoo Daily Events
• London Zoo - Access
• London Zoo Highlights

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