London zoo is one of the most popular attractions in London and is a favourite day out for adults and children alike. It is also one of the oldest zoos in the UK and has a history dating back hundreds of years and is the oldest scientific zoo in the world.
The zoological society of London opened the zoo in 1828, and at this time it was only accessible to members of the society (including Charles Darwin). Many of the animals that were originally at the zoo were those that came from the tower of London where there were lots of exotic animals kept. It continued in this way for the next twenty years, until in need of more funding, the zoo opened up to the general public in 1847.
Once the public were able to attend the zoo, there was more funding and the first ever reptile house in the world was opened in 1849, with the first public aquarium following soon after, which was opened in 1853.
Famous residents of the zoo in this period included Jumbo who was the first African elephant to arrive in England, as well as the famous bear Winnie who inspired A A Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. If enjoy animal sculpture like this gillparker.com/ then there are plenty to see around London zoo – In addition to the statue of Winnie there is also the famous bronze statue of Guy the gorilla (named Guy due to the fact he arrived on bonfire night, which is placed at the front of the zoo to welcome visitors.
In the 1920s, knowledge of animals and their welfare was growing and it was decided that more space was needed to allow the animals a more natural environment to live in. The zoo purchased some farmland near Whipsnade which became the Whipsnade Zoo. This is where many of London Zoo’s inhabitants were moved to for their safety during the second world war.
Since the war, the zoo has gone on to pioneer conservation and education, and with a host of famous visitors from the Queen to David Attenborough, the zoo is still as popular as ever with people wanting to see a range of creatures up close.