London is a historic city, and that means that many of the most famous attractions and landmarks have been around for centuries. The juxtaposition of classic attractions like the Houses of Parliament and London Zoo with modern landmarks like the Shard and the London Eye is part of what makes London such a special city to visit.
London Zoo in particular is a vital part of the city’s history. It’s the world’s oldest scientific zoo, having opened back in 1828 to be used for scientific and research purposes. If you’re staying at the Montcalm Hotel, you simply can’t miss out on a stroll around this vital, historic attraction, which celebrated its 170th anniversary of being open to the public this year.
The History of London Zoo
The zoo originally opened in April 1828 – but only fellows of the Zoological Society of London were permitted to enter. Some of the first species to be kept in the zoo included the orangutan, the greater kudus, and the Arabian oryx.
By 1847, the zoo was in the midst of a funding crisis, and it was opened to the public in order to keep providing a vital facility for research and conservation. The animals were all kept indoors until 1902. Many of the animals thrived when they were later allowed to roam outdoors.
The zoo has continued to introduce new species and animals to its space in London’s Regent’s Park. By the 1990s, there were almost 7,000 animals at the zoo, many of which couldn’t be observed anywhere else in the UK.
London Zoo’s Notable Achievements
During the 1960s, London Zoo took part in the world’s first ever international co-operative breeding programme. An Arabian oryx named Caroline was loaned to Phoenix Zoo in Arizona in order to help increase numbers of this animal. The success of the programme led other zoos to follow suit, and these breeding programs are now vital to conservation efforts, especially for endangered species. London Zoo currently takes part in more than 130 breeding programmes.
The zoo has also played a critical role in protecting endangered species. In the last fifty years it has provided safe havens for species including giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, black rhinos and African penguins.
In 2006, the Zoological Society of London, which still operates London Zoo, was involved in the rescue of more than 950 illegally imported exotic fish and coral. They were seized at Heathrow Airport before they could be sold on the black market.
Famous Exhibits at London Zoo
If you’re staying in local London accommodation, don’t miss any of these fabulous exhibits at London Zoo.
The David Attenborough Komodo Dragon House is a top exhibition – not least because of the famous name above the door. Komodo dragons are predators, with sharp teeth and saliva that is toxic – but their numbers are falling, and there are thought to be just a few thousand of them left in the wild, due to habitat loss. Come and see them up close at this fabulous exhibit.
Meet the Monkeys is another popular area of London Zoo – and when you watch these cheeky black-capped squirrel monkeys in action, it’s easy to se why! This walk-through area puts as few boundaries between the animals and visitors as possible, mimicking the forests of Bolivia so the monkeys will feel at home.
