London Zoo
London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, is one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos in the world. Founded in 1828, the zoo is home to a vast array of animals from all over the world, and is a popular and much-loved destination for visitors of all ages and interests.
The zoo is home to over 19,000 animals from over 700 species, and is a leader in the field of animal conservation and welfare. The zoo is committed to promoting the study and appreciation of biodiversity, and has implemented a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible practices.
One of the most popular exhibits at London Zoo is the Land of the Lions, which is a recreated Indian village that offers visitors an immersive and interactive experience of the lions’ natural habitat. The exhibit includes a range of different elements, including a street market, a train station, and a temple, as well as a number of different viewing platforms that allow visitors to see the lions up close and personal.
Another popular exhibit at London Zoo is the Gorilla Kingdom, which is home to a group of western lowland gorillas. The exhibit is designed to replicate the gorillas’ natural environment, and includes a range of different features, including a rainforest canopy, a pool, and a climbing frame.
London Zoo is also known for its impressive bird collection, which includes a range of different species from all over the world. The zoo is home to a number of different bird exhibits, including the Penguin Beach, which is home to a colony of Humboldt penguins, and the Bird Safari, which is a walk-through aviary that is home to a range of different birds, including parrots, macaws, and toucans.
The zoo is also home to a number of different primates, including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, as well as chimpanzees, lemurs, and tamarins. The primate exhibits are designed to replicate the natural habitats of the animals, and include a range of different features, including climbing frames, trees, and waterfalls.
In addition to its impressive animal exhibits, London Zoo is also home to a range of other facilities and services, including a gift shop and a range of different restaurants and cafes. The zoo also offers a range of different educational and outreach programs, aimed at promoting the study and appreciation of biodiversity and the natural world.
One of the most popular programs at London Zoo is the Zoo Academy, which is a series of courses and workshops designed for young people aged 14-17 who are interested in a career in animal care and welfare. The program includes a range of different elements, including animal husbandry, conservation, and public education, and offers participants a unique and immersive experience of life at the zoo.
The zoo is also home to a range of different public events and celebrations throughout the year, including the annual ZSL London Zoo Stampede, which is a 10k run that takes place through the zoo and its surrounding area. The event is a popular and much-loved tradition in London, and attracts runners and spectators from all over the city and beyond.
In conclusion, London Zoo is one of the most important and prestigious cultural institutions in London, with a rich and fascinating history that spans over 200 years. The zoo is a leader in the field of animal conservation and welfare, and is committed to promoting the study and appreciation of biodiversity and the natural world. Whether you are an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for an enjoyable and informative day out, London Zoo is the perfect destination for you.
Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
What are your opening times?
For ZSL London Zoo - Our opening times vary throughout the year For ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Our opening times vary throughout the year
How much are tickets to the Zoos?
Our ticket prices vary at each Zoo and throughout the year, you can see the prices on our booking page.
Can I buy tickets when I arrive?
No, we ask that you book your tickets in advance of your visit to help us manage numbers, for the time being.
I have tickets booked for certain day – can I change the date we use them?
Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable as per our T's & C’s so pre-booked tickets are only valid on the specified date.
I am bringing children with me who are under three. Do I need to pay for them?
Children under the age of 3 years are entitled to free entry to both of our Zoos. Please ensure you book a ticket for them when you book yours so that we know how many visitors to expect.
I have a London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass – can I get in free? (ZSL London Zoo only)
London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass holders simply need to arrive at the Zoo and present their pass to ZSL Admissions staff.
How do I use National Rail’s 241 offer? (ZSL London Zoo only)
National Rail’s 241 offer permits 1 person free of charge into London Zoo (minimum of 2 visitors required). This offer requires 2 valid national rail tickets and the cheapest, if applicable, of the two visitors goes free. Visitors must pre-book their 241 entry tickets, here.
How do I redeem my BuyAGift voucher?
We are temporarily not accepting BuyAGift vouchers.
How do I redeem my Leisure Voucher?
This promotion is temporarily suspended.
How can I use my Tesco Clubcard points? Do you still accept Tesco paper vouchers?
We are no longer participating in this promotion
Can I use my Blue Peter badge to obtain free entry? What do I need to show for this?
We are now accepting Blue Peter badges again. A child, aged 6 - 15 years, who produces a valid Blue Peter badge card at the gate will be given free entry when accompanied by a full paying adult. One full paying adult will be required for each qualifying child and the adult ticket must be purchased upon arrival at the Zoo.
Can I store my luggage when I visit?
Find out more about our self-service lockers at ZSL London Zoo We do not currently have self-service lockers for hire at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Can you hire wheelchairs?
Yes, wheelchairs are available for hire from both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on a first come, first served, basis. Alternatively, you call ahead and reserve one of our wheelchairs in advance via 0344 225 1826. You’ll need to pay a £25 deposit when hiring a wheelchair, but this will be refunded after the wheelchair is returned to Zoo staff undamaged. Alternatively, a mobility scooter is available on a first come, first served basis for a charge of £20 plus a refundable deposit of £30.
Can you hire pushchairs?
At both of our Zoos, pushchairs are available to hire from the gift shop. The single buggies are £10 to hire and we take a £15 refundable deposit. The double buggies are £15 to hire and we take a £15 refundable deposit.
Can you hire trikes?
At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Micro Trikes are available to hire for toddlers from the gift shop for just £10 (£15 refundable deposit applies). It isn't currently possible to hire trikes at ZSL London Zoo.
Do you offer a discount for students?
If you are a UK or international student then you will be entitled to our concession rate ticket, please remember to bring any valid ID with you that shows you are a student, with your pre-booked ticket on arrival, to guarantee entry.
I have a disability. What tickets do I buy?
Adult and child guests who are registered disabled are entitled to our disabled adult or child ticket rates. An essential carer enters free with each ticket. To collect the essential carer ticket, please make sure you bring along your supporting documents that shows you require a carer as well as a copy of your ticket that you have purchased in advance. These may include the following: Disability Allowance Letter PIP letter Freedom pass Any other appropriate supporting documentation as issued by your local authority
Can I bring a guide dog into the Zoo?
Assistance dogs are not permitted at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. At ZSL London Zoo, assistance dogs are permitted within certain criteria. Please see London Zoo's accessibility page for more information.
Do you do discounts for NHS and military staff?
Unfortunately we do not currently offer any military or NHS discount.
Are there accessible facilities available at your Zoos?
We work hard to ensure both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are accessible for all visitors. Please see more information about accessibility at ZSL London Zoo here, and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo here.
The tickets say my name on, can anyone use them?
This will not affect entry for the person using the ticket. The name of the purchaser will always be on the ticket when processed; however this can be different to the person using the ticket as long as they have it with them on arrival. If you are a member and you have pre-booked a slot, you are not able to transfer this ticket to anyone else.
Do I need to print my tickets?
As long as you have purchased your tickets directly from ZSL via our website or phone line, you do not need to print your tickets; they will be accepted when displayed on smart devices such as phones or tablets. Simply download your tickets and present the relevant barcodes to a member of our admissions team on arrival. We are not currently accepting tickets purchased from third-party companies.
Can I buy tickets and Experiences as a gift? Do I receive anything in the post?
We do offer gift vouchers for our experiences; when these are purchased you will receive a voucher in the post, themed to fit with the experience. The vouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase during which time it will need to have been booked and redeemed. We also offer flexi ticket vouchers which are open-ended tickets valid for a single visit within 1 year. To redeem a flexi voucher, you will need to go through the normal ticket booking process and use your flexi voucher code at checkout instead of paying. Full instructions are issued when you buy a flexi ticket voucher.
Is ZSL part of Merlin?
ZSL is not under the Merlin Group; therefore we do not accept Merlin passes. ZSL is a conservation charity and so for those wishing to support us whilst enjoying the benefit of entry to both our Zoos, we do offer annual memberships. For more information, please visit our membership page.
Where can I buy food at the Zoo?
We have a variety of pop-up outdoor food outlets at both London and Whipsnade that offer a selection of food options
Can you bring a picnic into the Zoo?
You are welcome to bring your own picnics and we provide picnic tables around both of our sites for you to use.
Where can I park my car?
ZSL London Zoo Parking is available in the Zoo’s Gloucester Slips car park at a cost of £14.50, payable on the day. We are outside the London Congestion Charging Zone. Parking is also available on Outer Circle just by the zoo and at car parks in the local area. Please see parking information for more details. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has a large, free car park just outside the zoo.
Do your car parks have height restrictions?
No, neither the car park at ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have height restrictions.
When do the car parks open/close?
The car park at ZSL London Zoo is open from 9am while, the car park at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is open from 8am, with each car park closing roughly an hour after the Zoo closes.
Are all animals on show?
Your great day out is of paramount importance to us. However, so is the welfare of our animals and on occasions, we may have some important care that we need to do for our animals, that requires them to remain off show.
Are any of the enclosures closed in the winter months?
Some of our animals do like to stay indoors when it is a bit colder or wet outside and as such, we have indoor viewing areas for most of our enclosures.
How do I report lost property?
To report a lost item at ZSL London Zoo, please fill out our lost property log, and one of the team will get back to you if it's been found. To report a lost item at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, please fill out our lost property log, and one of the team will get back to you if it’s been found.
What is ZSL?
ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering - working for wildlife.
