Pictures of London Zoo

London Zoological Gardens is run by The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which also runs Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. Located within Regents Park and with its entrance at the north end, this famous 36 acre zoo has been established since 1828. However it wasn’t open to the public till 1847. Parking facilities are all around the outer circle of the park via meters or almost opposite the Zoo is the Zoo’s own dedicated parking. For short stops you will find the meters cheaper but you may have a longish walk to the entrance.

A leader in conservation many innovations have been born here which have included the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).

On entry you will be given a leaflet that contains a map of the Zoo, there are also signs all around guiding you in the appropriate direction and if you still need help there’s a staffed information booth.

Within the complex are two snacks restaurants, a fish and chip shop and a smaller kiosk. There is also a gift shop. The children’s zoo has some of the more conventional animals such as donkeys and goats. There is also an area with a small fair ground ride and bouncy castle alongside the butterfly building. The reptiles, insects and fish each have their own dedicated buildings. The Aquarium and reptile house are a series of glass fronted enclosures and tanks, each well lit but within in a darkened room. Many of the mammals have both and outside area and inside area where they can be viewed. All around the zoo are aviary’s and enclosures where many types of birds. Next to the Aquarium and again on the far side by the giraffes enclosure are two large aviary’s that you can walk through as the birds are free flying around you. You can also walk inside the monkey house but don’t get the camera too close to the inmates, they have a habit of snatching the camera right out of your hand. One section is now called ‘Into Africa’, where animals specific to the region are to be found such as giraffes, Hunting Dogs and Zebras.
Events take place throughout the day at specific times such as a chance to handle large spiders (under supervision) or watch animals at their feeding times.