London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo.[3] It was opened in London on 27 April 1828,[4] and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually opened to the public in 1847.[3] Today it has a collection of 673 species of animals, with 19,789 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.[2]
| Date opened | 1828 |
|---|---|
| Location | Regent's Park, London, England |
| Land area | 36 acres [1] (0.108 km²) |
| Coordinates | 51°32′08″N 00°09′21″W |
| No. of animals | 19,789 (2018)[2] |
| No. of species | 673 (2018)[2] |
| Website | ZSL London Zoo |
It is managed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), established in 1826.[3] It is at the northern edge of Regent's Park, on the boundary line between City of Westminster and Camden (the Regent's Canal runs through it).[5] The Society also has a larger site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved.[6][7] As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853),[8] first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).
ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows', 'Friends', 'Members', entrance fees and sponsorship to get income.[9][10]
However, the ZSL's nearby Institute of Zoology may get public grants as a scientific institution. It has an international reputation in bioconservation.[11]
References
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