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ZSL is a global science-led conservation organisation helping people and wildlife live better together to restore the wonder and diversity of life everywhere.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity, driven by science, working everyday to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. We’re a powerful movement of conservationists, working together to save animals on the brink of extinction and those who could be next.

A united team from different disciplines and different nations, we’re bound together by our passion for nature and a pioneering spirit to solve the biggest challenges facing wildlife.

Find out more about ZSL and the world-renowned experts who lead the organisation on our journey to shape a more balanced, vibrant and connected world.

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Our Royal Patrons

ZSL was issued the Royal Charter in 1829 and the reigning monarch has historically been our Royal Patron since King William IV in 1830. Our previous Royal Patrons include King George IV, Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III in his role as the former Prince of Wales, as our Vice Patron.

Our gender pay gap reports

From 6 April 2017 employers in Great Britain with more than 250 staff are required by law to publish their gender pay gap information, covering pay and bonuses. The ZSL 2020 Gender Pay Gap report has now been published to show the difference between the average earnings of men and women, which is expressed relative to men’s earnings.  Our fourth report shows that the overall gender pay gap is now -0.2%. This is significantly lower than the current UK pay gap of 15.5%.

The results are great news for ZSL but we do however recognise that in order to maintain this as a long-term change we need to continue to be committed to promoting inclusive behaviours including the recruitment and promotion of women in senior roles.

Gender pay report 2017

Gender Pay Report 2018

Gender Pay Report 2019

Gender pay report 2020

Gender Pay report 2021

Gender pay report 2022

    London Zoo tiger lying on rock
    Almost two centuries strong

    The History of ZSL

    Since Sir Stamford Raffles founded ZSL back in 1826, we’ve been building stronger connections to wildlife, deepening understanding of the natural world to shape a healthier, fairer and better future for us all.

    Matthew Gould headshot
    Our dedicated directors

    Meet ZSL's Directors

    Meet ZSL’s directors, driving us towards our vision of a world where wildlife thrives, and passionately working to ensure nature is at the very heart of global decision making.

    Professor Sir Jim Smith FRS headshot
    ZSL's governing body

    Council members

    Read more about our current council members, who are collectively responsible for ZSL’s governance and provides leadership and oversight of the strategic direction of ZSL, in line with our charitable purposes.

    Kate Humble ZSL Ambassador
    Famous faces

    Ambassadors

    We’re delighted to have the support of some of the UK’s most well-known personalities, who share our passion for wildlife and conservation and use their platform to spread the word about our work.

    Humboldt penguin swimming under water
    At ZSL's Regent Park offices or online

    Annual General Meeting

    Each year we share our activities and successes from the previous financial year, so we can continue to improve on the work we’re doing and drive forward a journey of recovery for the natural world.

    Four ZSL conservationists study fish and record results on the Putney foreshore
    World-renowned centre for education

    Institute of Zoology

    The Institute of Zoology is one of the world’s most respected wildlife research centres and academics who work tirelessly to produce solutions to some of the most complex scientific challenges in the natural world.