The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a world-renowned charity dedicated to the global conservation of animals and their habitats. Founded in 1826, ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is done through science, education, fieldwork and public engagement.
ZSL runs two zoos in London – ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire – which between them house over 19,000 animals from 800 different species. Both zoos are open every day except Christmas Day, and receive over three million visitors each year. Profits from ticket sales are reinvested back into ZSL’s vital conservation work both in the UK and overseas.
As well as running London and Whipsnade Zoos, ZSL works on field projects all around the world; rescuing endangered species such as tigers, lions, rhinos and elephants; conducting cutting-edge scientific research into animal behaviour, ecology and evolution; campaigning to reduce human-wildlife conflict; working with businesses to minimise their impact on the natural world; training the next generation of conservationists at our Institute of Zoology; educating young people about wildlife through our Education department; running community outreach programmes in some of the most deprived areas of inner-city London; and much more.
Zoological Society Of London was founded way back in 1826 by Sir Stamford Raffles who was also its first President along with six other distinguished gentlemen including Charles Darwin’s grandfather Erasmus Darwin. The Society’s aims were ‘the advancement of zoology and animal physiology’ and ‘the introduction of new an useful kinds thereof into this country’. From these modest beginnings it has grown into one of the largest international wildlife conservation charities with over 35 million supporters worldwide