ZSL 200 logo

ZSL was founded on the 29th April 1826. It's our Birthday!

Enter the celebrations
Continue to ZSL.org

Thank you for being part of our story

Donate
Explore articles curated from our history

200th Anniversary Stories

From Conservation to Culture

Throughout 2026, we’ll be sharing new articles here that bring 200 years of ZSL history to life.​

Discover how Darwin shaped natural history at our scientific meetings, explore how the Whipsnade community created the iconic White Lion, and step behind the scenes of the blockbuster films shot at London Zoo.​

We'll release a new feature collection every few months, so you’ll always find new hidden voices, untold stories, and more moments that shaped who we are today. Dive in!

Categories

  • Rare black frog with blue spots and orange patches sitting on green moss
    Laying the groundwork for future discoveries

    Leaps & Bounds

    Breakthroughs that shaped our understanding of wildlife

  • Joan Procter holding a snake
    Women who led the way

    Women & Wildlife

    Remarkable women whose contributions shaped the field of zoology

  • A black and white photograph of a man with a small primate
    Zoo & You

    Zoo & You

    A community working for wildlife – and each other

  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
    Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    Bringing people closer to wildlife

More coming soon! Check back next month to discover more about our incredible past – from groundbreaking scientific moments to famous animals and iconic architecture.

Fast facts - Do You Know?

  • Community
    Unemployed Welsh miners helped build Whipsnade Zoo during the Depression
  • Dragons
    ZSL curator Joan Procter was the first to train a dragon – a Komodo dragon
  • Regret
    A 60s band asked to take their first album cover pic at London Zoo. ZSL said no. It was The Beatles.
    • While you're here...

    Wildlife has been our passion for 200 years. But we need your help to continue our important work to save endangered species from extinction around the world. Please consider donating to ZSL.

    Donate to ZSL
    Loading...