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

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Celebrating voices: our new oral archive project

Oral Archive

Why have we created our oral archive project?

For 200 years, we have been able to continue our mission because of people from all over the world, from keepers, conservationists, and scientists, to volunteers, visitors, and supporters. Throughout our 200th anniversary year, we are resurfacing the story of our history, by sharing how we’ve been a part of yours.

From unforgettable days out at our Zoos to pioneering science and conservation successes, our story is woven from countless individual experiences. The Oral Archive will capture these lived histories through recorded interviews, revealing the emotional and cultural significance of our work.

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Listen to the voices that lived it - personal recollections, told in their own words.

These archive recordings capture personal memories and perspectives. They reflect the way people remember events which may be shaped by time, or differ from other accounts.

What is an oral archive?

An oral archive is a collection of recorded interviews, testimonies, and other forms of spoken accounts that capture personal experiences, historical events, cultural traditions, and community knowledge. 

The ZSL Oral Archive Project is a part of our History Hive, which was created to explore, share, and celebrate the stories that have shaped us over the past 200 years. It brings together personal memories, historical records, photographs, archives, and new projects, such as the Oral Archive, to create a collective picture of our past and present. 

We will also be sharing contributions to the History Hive through new online storytelling and as part of our events throughout the year.

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