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Donate in memory

You can make a donation to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in memory of a friend or relative. By donating to a cause they believed in, you will be doing something really worthwhile to celebrate their life.

Ways to donate in memory of a loved one

Funeral collections White lilies

Many people make a general donation to ZSL in memory of a loved one, often in lieu of funeral flowers or from a funeral collection. To make a general donation please complete and return our in memory donation form (569 KB). If possible, please ask all donors to complete a separate form, this way we can claim back gift aid at no extra cost to you.

Book of Remembrance Book of Remembrance

We have a Book of Remembrance at both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Donation of £50 or more

Benefits:
• An A5 dedication certificate will be mounted in the Book of Remembrance and will include a personalised message of up to 40 words in memory of your loved one.

Donation of £75 or more

Benefits:
• As well as the above, you will receive a copy of the dedication certificate for yourself to keep.

N.B. You will need to make an appointment to view the Books of Remembrance with Clare Murray (details below). Book viewings do not include entry to our Zoos.

Memorial Benches

You can dedicate a bench at ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in memory of your loved one.

Memorial Bench – ZSL London Zoo Frank Wheeler Plaque

Refurbished Bench - Contribution of £500 or more**
New Bench - Contribution of £1,000 or more**

Benefits:

  • Refurbished or new bench
  • Brass plaque engraved as you wish*
  • Invitation for 2 people to visit ZSL London Zoo and see the bench
  • Maintenance for 3 years

N.B. ZSL London Zoo can not guarantee that the bench will remain in one place, however it will remain on site.

Memorial Bench - ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Dedicated Bench - Joan Blackie

New Bench - Contribution of £1,000 or more**

Benefits:

  • New 3 seater bench, made from 100% recycled plastic, available in either black or brown
  • The bench can be located in the area of your choice*
  • Brass plaque engraved as you wish*
  • Invitation for 2 people to visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and see the bench
  • Maintenance for 3 years

**Your contribution includes the benefits above plus a donation to ZSL. As a charity dependent on public support, ZSL relies on donations to help to continue its work, including the running of our Zoos.

ZSL Library Library

ZSL Library is open to the public and holds a fascinating collection of zoological books, publications, paintings and drawings. The Library is a vital resource for anyone with an interest in zoology and animal conservation.

Some of the older items now need conserving; a donation to ZSL Library can help us achieve the vital conservation of books and paintings or allow us to build up our collection by acquiring new books.

New books or book conservation Reading in ZSL Library

Donation of £50 or more.

You can choose the subject category, for example primates, and ZSL Library will choose a specific new book(s) or an older book that requires conserving. This can involve repairs to pages and binding so that the book can be used more easily and to prolong the life of the book. More than one book may be selected.

Benefits:

  • Presentation slip inside the book with wording as you wish*
  • Details will be included in the ZSL library catalogue
  • Invitation to visit ZSL Library and see the book

N.B. Replacement of any lost, stolen or damaged books will be done where possible, however, if it is not possible to replace certain books, ZSL will offer an alternative book with a new presentation slip.

Art conservation Cheetahs by Joseph Wolf

Donation of £250 or more

A selection of paintings and drawings require conserving, for example some of our collection of paintings by the noted nineteenth century animal artist, Joseph Wolf.

Further information about the collections

Benefits:

  • The artwork will be on display for a limited period with your name and the name of the person you are remembering (for preservation reasons we cannot display artworks for long periods of time)
  • Presentation slip alongside the artwork with wording as you wish*
  • Details will be included in the ZSL library catalogue
  • A coloured print of the artwork
  • Invitation to visit ZSL Library and see the artwork

Adopt an animal at ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Rockhopper Penguin

Donation of £32 or more

Benefits:

  • A free zoo ticket
  • Subscription to ‘Wild About’, ZSL's magazine
  • Personalised adoption certificate
  • Regular email updates

Further information about animal adoptions

Challenge Events Elephant Run

You could take part in one of our Challenge Events and run in memory of a friend or relative. It's a wonderful way to remember your loved one with friends and family cheering you on to the finish line. Please check the above link for minimum sponsorship requirements and entry details.

Tribute Fund Elephant Lights

ZSL has teamed up with Just Giving so that you can create an online Tribute Fund in memory of your loved one with donations going straight to ZSL.

You can write a personal message, add your favourite photographs and invite family and friends to donate.

Create your Just Giving Tribute Fund

Contact details

If you have any queries about donating to ZSL in memory of a loved one please contact the Development Department on 020 7449 6358 or via email at fundraising@zsl.org or write to:

Legacy Officer, Development Department, Room W11, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY

*subject to ZSL approval

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