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.
Listen to our preview
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.
Listen to stories from our oral archivePaul Stoker - oral archive
Paul Stoker and the monkey nut bag from mum
Listen to stories from our oral archiveCamilla Whitworth-Jones - oral archive
Camilla Whitworth-Jones - Darwin, family and conservation
Listen to stories from our oral archiveDavid Styles - oral archive
David Styles - three generations at London Zoo
Listen to stories from our oral archiveDr Hem Baral - oral archive
Dr Hem Baral - protecting Nepal's wildlife
Listen to stories from our oral archiveDr Tammy Shadbolt - oral archive
Dr Tammy Shadbolt - wildlife health in action
Listen to stories from our oral archiveDr Chris Yesson - oral archive
Dr Chris Yesson - protecting our marine habitats
Listen to stories from our oral archiveFrank Hughes - oral archive
The backdrop to Frank Hughes’ family history
Listen to stories from our oral archiveProfessor Bill Holt - oral archive
From reproductive science to saving species
Listen to stories from our oral archiveMichael Kozdon - oral archive
Michael Kozdon - London Zoo's most prolific architect
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.