The Zoo: episode 1

Bird keeper Adrian Walls explains why you should watch 'The Zoo':

Launching London's only living rainforest

This episode of the behind the scenes documentary shows just how much work goes into creating new Zoo exhibits.

Getting ready for the launch of ZSL London Zoo's Rainforest Life even saw keepers turning their hand to construction.

Training birds

The show highlights that a lot of training goes on behind the scenes at ZSL's zoos to encourage natural behaviour in our animals.

Like the vultures in episode one, our bird team, headed by 'The Zoo' favourite Adrian Walls, has been using an innovative training technique to help ultramarine grosbeaks feed their young in a highly competitive aviary.

Watch Adrian's bird training video

Gorillas in the midst

Gorilla Kingdom, ZSL London Zoo's flagship exhibit, is central to this episode.

Bringing the African rainforest to the heart of London, visitors can get breathtakingly close to our colony of western lowland gorillas in a natural and engaging environment.

Find out more about Gorilla Kingdom

Spot a TV star

Meet the real stars of 'The Zoo', the animals. Visitors can get up close to our animals including the gorillas, lions, penguins and even our vultures. Buying tickets in advance online is the fastest and cheapest way to get into the Zoo.

Tickets to ZSL London Zoo

Tickets to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Adopt a leading lady

Fans of the show can even adopt one of its stars: new mum Mjukuu the western lowland gorilla.

She may have recently given birth but she's still a real character who enjoys stealing food and can often be seen walking around with sacks on her head.

Support 'Jookie' and you'll be helping her relatives in the wild, as ZSL runs gorilla conservation programmes in Africa.

Adopt Jookie

Find out who else you can adopt