Our blogs
Making a difference for wildlife.
At ZSL, we are proud of the work we do. To give you an insight into the work our conservationists, scientists, and volunteers achieve on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, take a look at our latest blog posts below.
- ZSL Library
- Exploring the Mitford Collection at ZSL Library and Archives
In search of the black-and-orange flycatcher
16 November 2023A guest blog written by ZSL Fellow Rajith Dissanayake PhD on the illustrations of Edward Ledwich Osbaldeston Mitford.
- Artefact of the month
Joseph Smit - animal artist and illustrator
14 September 2023Exploring the history and artworks of illustrator Joseph Smit
- Artefact of the month
Hamet Safi Cannana, the man who cared for Obaysch the hippopotamus
22 August 2023Hamet Safi Cannana, the man who cared for Obaysch the hippopotamus
- Artefact of the month
Hodgson and the “Zoology of Nipal" a guest blog by David A. Lowther, University of Durham
22 August 2023Guest blog written by David A. Lowther, Visiting Scholar at the ZSL Prince Philip Library and Archives
- Our Origin of species first edition
On the Origin of ZSL’s Origin
9 May 2023Solving the mystery of our Origin of Species copy, where it came from and why we didn't receive a copy until forty years after it was first published.
- Colonial past of early zoologists
Alfred Russel Wallace and colonialism
28 February 2023On 24 October 1858, on the island of Bacan, a young Malay boy called Ali shot and took into his possession a bird which had been seen and in all likelihood shot for its plumage many times before by the local islanders.
- Artefact of the month
Mark Catesby and his enduring legacy
2 December 2022Mark Catesby was one of the most influential naturalists of the early 18th century, and his famous work remained an authority on American natural history for over 100 years!
- Artefact of the month
Maud Horman-Fisher - Zoological artist and illustrator
20 February 2022Maud Horman-Fisher provided 21 illustrations for Proceedings of the Zoological Society between 1884 and 1894 for 18 published papers.
- Trailblazing entomologist
Maria Merian and herpetology
25 November 2021Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717) was a trailblazing entomologist, scientific traveller, artist and herpetologist. She is increasingly well known for her work on insects and their life-cycles but she also planned to publish a book on reptiles.
- Artefact of the month
Dear Secretary...Letters to Philip Lutley Sclater
17 November 2021Exploring the letters and papers of past ZSL Secretary Philip Lutley Sclater
