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.
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.
Queen Elizabeth II at London Zoo
Queen Elizabeth II was our Royal Patron from her coronation in 1953 until her death in 2022, and it was our privilege to welcome her on numerous visits to our Zoos, from her childhood onwards.Land of the Lions London Zoo opening
Queen Elizabeth II opening Land of Lions in 2016.HRH Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II at Whipsnade Zoo
Opening our Centre for Elephant Care in 2017 and feeding Donna the elephant a banana.King George V
King George V opening London Zoo's Aquarium in 1924 with Queen Mary.Tiny Giants London Zoo opening
London Zoo's Tiny Giants was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip in 1999.The Queen at the Snowdon Aviary
Lord Snowdon speaking to the Queen at London Zoo's Snowdon Aviary, now reimagined as Monkey Valley.HRH Prince Philip
The official opening of Gorilla Kingdom at London Zoo by HRH Prince Philip, March 2007.A royal visit
The former Prince of Wales became our first Vice Patron in 2014.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.