Image collection
ZSL's Library contains archival photographs of animals formerly at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
The black and white photographs date back to 1864. Many of these animals are now extremely rare, some, such as the quagga, are extinct. Other graphic sources in the form of illustrations, prints and watercolours, date from the sixteenth century onwards.
Reproductions of the images are available at a fee to those who might want to use them in publications or multimedia through our Commercial Image Library . Please contact Rowena Fisher with your picture requests and details of how you wish to use the image, or phone 020 7449 6363.
The image collections form part of our `Special Collections', please look at 
Library Regulations for Special Collections (96 KB) if you wish to come in and consult any of our special collections.
Photograph of Obaysch by Frederick York, circa 1870
See John Edwards, author of London Zoo from Old Photographs and Ann Sylph, ZSL Librarian, talking about some of the historical photographs in ZSL's collections Source magazine film about ZSL's historical photographs
Some of John's favourite photographs are featured as Artefact of the month - September 2012 Historic photographs
Update - November 2012
The second expanded edition of John's book has been published and is available from ZSL's Gift Shops and ZSL Library. It can be ordered online from ZSL's Online Shop
