About ZSL
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
ZSL Vision
A world where animals are valued, and their conservation assured.
ZSL Mission
To promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats
Find out more about ZSL:
ZSL is registered as a charity in England and Wales: no.208728.
ZSL strategic aims
Strategic aim 1
We will undertake and promote relevant high quality zoological and conservation research, to help us achieve our conservation objectives and to inform and influence conservation policy.
Strategic aim 2
To encourage and motivate all our stakeholders to support and engage in conservation.
Strategic aim 3
To implement and achieve effective and appropriate ‘in situ’ and ‘ex situ’ conservation programmes for priority species and habitats.
Strategic aim 4
To further ZSL’s mission by maximising opportunities to generate funds.
ZSL history
Since Sir Stamford Raffles founded ZSL in 1826, there have been a number of achievements in our conservation work in the wild as well as at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Read more about ZSL's history.
Famous animals
Over the years ZSL has been home to many famous animals, including Guy the gorilla, Goldie the golden eagle and Winnie, who became one of the most famous bears in the world. Find out more about ZSL's Famous animals
ZSL architecture
When London Zoo opened in 1827, Decimus Burton was called on to lay out the grounds and house the animals. Many other leading architects have since contributed to the built environment of the Zoo, creating a collection of buildings that includes two Grade I and eight Grade II listed structures. Read more about the ZSL's amazing architecture.
Annual Review 2008
A copy of our latest annual review can be downloaded below.
ZSL - The Year in Review 2008 (2.2 MB)
During 2008 ZSL has seen significant conservation developments and successes around the world, we have witnessed great strides by our researchers and scientists in the Institute of Zoology, and we have enjoyed wonderful new attractions at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Our previous annual reviews including the IoZ review can be found here: ZSL Annual Reports
ZSL Trustees Report and Financial Statements
ZSL Trustees Report and Financial Statements - 2008 (351 KB)
Animal inventory
For a full inventory of animals held at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos please visit our animal inventory page.
Guiding principles
Respecting and valuing animals and the natural world
Our belief is that a diverse and healthy natural world is valuable in its own right and is essential for ensuring secure and healthy lives for people. This motivates ZSL’s vision and mission, and our other core values follow from this.
Inspiring conservation action
We seek to motivate others to take conservation action in their daily lives.
To achieve excellence in our field
Building on our heritage and reputation as a learned society, we aim to be an authoritative source of information and good practice for the scientific study, conservation and husbandry of animals; and to make efficient and effective use of available resources to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do in the operation of a successful and innovative conservation organisation.
Acting ethically, responsibly and sustainably
We aim to operate in fair and justifiable ways that do not conflict with our mission/objectives, and which respect the environment.
Valuing everyone we work with
We support and value teamwork and collaboration, strive for fair and equitable treatment of everyone with whom we work and come into contact with, and aim to act with respect and courtesy in all our dealings.