Help us share the story of our history, by sharing how we’ve been part of yours
Marking the two-year countdown to our bicentenary in 2026, we're asking people to share memories, photographs, footage and historic objects connected to ZSL to help bring our history to life.
We’ve spent almost two centuries bringing people and wildlife closer together. In 2026 we’ll celebrate our greatest achievement – our connection with you, which has allowed us to make such a difference to wildlife conservation.
How will we use your memories and artefacts?
In 2026 we will invite the public to share in our bicentenary celebrations through exciting exhibitions, talks, trails and other activities - at our two conservation zoos, at ZSL’s HQ in Regents Park and beyond.
History Hive submissions will help us bring our 200year history to life and put you - the people who helped make it happen - front and centre in our celebrations.
Oral History Archive
We’re also inviting people to register interest in contributing to a new Oral History Archive as part of the ZSL History Hive project. The aim of the archive is to gather personal experiences to bridge knowledge gaps in our history.
Oral archive interviews will take place over the next two years and will become publicly accessible in 2026. We welcome all experiences of ZSL
Thank you for sharing your ZSL stories
Thank you to everyone who shared a memory, image, footage or object with us through our History Hive as part of our 200th anniversary celebrations.
We’ve loved hearing about the many ways we've has been part of people’s lives – from childhood visits and favourite animals, to working and volunteering at our Zoos, and memories passed down through generations.
While we’re no longer accepting new submissions here, your stories have helped us bring 200 years of ZSL to life this year.
You can explore how we’ve used stories and memories from our community across our anniversary celebrations, including in features, oral archive recordings, quizzes and more, on our ZSL 200 anniversary hub.
And if you’d still like to add your voice to our anniversary, you can share a story in our ZSL Community Storybook – a space for anyone connected to ZSL to share their memories, moments and milestones. At the end of 2026, the Storybook will join the collection in the ZSL Library and Archives, preserved for future generations.
Add your story to the Community Storybook
Thank you for being part of our story – and for helping us celebrate 200 years of wildlife and wonder.
How can I contribute to ZSL’s History Hive?
You can make a submission to the ZSL History Hive using the form below. If you need support submitting to the History Hive, email HistoryHive@ZSL.org