Zoos have had a bit of bit rap in the media of late. However on a recent visit to London Zoo I realised how far this zoo had come since when I was a child.
Thoughtfully curated and with animal welfare obviously at the highest levels they have ever been, there is a strong emphasis throughout on educating visitors about conservation meaning that not only is it a chance to get up close and learn about so many of the world’s animals and their unique challenges (that you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do) but also to be inspired to adopt positive steps to support conservation and value the natural world for all its glory.
Off the back of our visit with 365 tickets, I wanted to share the top 10 best things to see and do at London Zoo – according to us!
Tiger Territory
Home to the Zoo’s two critically-endangered Sumatran tigers and their three cubs this is a fantastic opportunity to get up close to these awe-inspiring creatures in a re-created Indonesian habitat through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
In with the Monkeys
Probably one of the most interactive and fun parts of the zoo, an adventure among the ever-so cheeky squirrel monkeys in a recreated Bolivian rainforest in the centre of London complete with open skies and no boundaries between us the humans and they the monkeys!
Gorilla Kingdom
A chance to get face to face with these breathtaking creatures led by an impressive male silverback – Kumbuka and a fantastic way of learning more about primates, including white-naped mangabeys and white colobus monkeys whilst they show off their gymnastic prowess!
Rainforest Life
Discover the creatures that live in the rainforest, including monkeys, sloths, and bats. The exhibit is designed to replicate a real rainforest environment, complete with a thunderstorm experience.
Into Africa
Giraffes, zebras, warthogs, pygmy hippos and more – the show stopper of this African medley has to be the elegant giraffes…don’t miss the viewing platform to wow at these African-like surroundings from a giraffe’s viewpoint!
Reptile House
An amazing collection of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, frogs and crocodiles! And of course….not to be missed…or messed with….the notorious Kimodo Dragon.
Butterfly Paradise
A magical immersive walk through a incredible range of butterflies and moths from around the world as they flitter around (and sometimes land on) you. So beautiful, we could have set up home here.
Land of the Lions
An amazing curated space taking you to the very heart of India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, (but in London, no less), this is a stunning recreation of India’s famous National park where you can get closer to the mighty King of the Jungle over three walkways for a truly immersive experience.
Penguin Beach
For flippery fun, check out Penguin Beach where you can wow at penguins as they zoom under water – make sure you stick around for feeding time which happens twice daily to catch the birds diving for their food.
Aquarium
Did you know that London Zoo has had an aquarium since 1853? I certainly didn’t – so it’s well worth a visit to this underwater land which has been involved in many different conservation projects and breeding programmes over the years and to lose yourself in the exotic, beautiful and sometimes rather bizarre fish it houses.
Animal Adventure
I know…you didn’t come all the way to London Zoo to see farm animals, however your children might beg to differ! Their children’s zoo gives the littles a chance to get in with the farm animals and pet them and quite honestly….this was probably the hardest part to drag my daughter away from!
Meet the Animals
London Zoo has a wide range of animals, from lions and tigers to meerkats and otters. There are feeding times and keeper talks throughout the day where children can learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Have you visited London Zoo recently? What would be on your list of things to see? Do leave a comment below.
All pictures credited to: ZSL London Zoo (c)ZSL
I have never visited London Zoo but it is on my to do list. Zoos can be good as well as bad and they do a lot of conservation work x
I can’t believe that I’ve never been to London Zoo and definitely want to take my girls. They’re obsessed with animals, especially tigers, so I think they’d have a great day 🙂
I haven’t been to London Zoo in years! The last time I went it was to Zoo Lates and we loved seeing the monkeys.
I really want to take my little girl with me soon as then I’ll have a good excuse to pet the farm animals too.
I have never been to London zoo and will admit that I am not a fan of having animals behind bars, much preferring a safari park where animals have more freedom, saying that this zoo looks and sounds great
Ooh we have never been to London Zoo! It’s a long way for us but if we were down that way I would love to visit, I’ve only ever heard good things!
The monkeys always do it for me, I could watch them all day.
I have a bit of a love hate relationship with zoos. I love the fact that it gives me the opportunity to see all the animals in a closer environment (who has the money to constantly go on safari) but then the idea of these animals in captivity makes me sad! I have been to London Zoo though.
I love London zoo – haven’t been since last summer so need another visit
We have never been to London zoo before, we have only been to Edinburgh but there seem so many more animals here. My children would love to visit as they are animal crazy xx
We went to ZSL a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Lots to see with lots to learn about. We particularly loved the tigers and gorillas too!
I love cats so I could happily sit and watch the big cats 🙂 I always enjoy aquariums and so do the kids as there is often interesting lighting providing a sensory experience
I’ve always wanted to go to London Zoo. I’ve heard so many amazing things about it. The tigers would be top of my list of things to see and the lions. They’re such beautiful creatures. x
The monkeys sound a bit terrifying. I’d be worried they’d try to steal my glasses or something.
I think you walk past the giraffes on the way to Primrose Hill (?) and I saw them last time I was in London but I’ve never been in to the zoo.
V