The Royal Mint marks ZSL’s 200th anniversary with 2026 Annual Set

Paying tribute to 200 years of wildlife, The Royal Mint’s new 2026 Annual Set features a beautifully designed £2 commemorative coin created to celebrate our landmark anniversary.

Released today - just two days into our big anniversary year - the coin depicts three species that tell a powerful story about our conservation impact: the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro dove, and the Partula snail. Designed by artist Jonathan Olliffe, the image is surrounded by the edge inscription ‘Restoring Wildlife Together’ - a message that captures our collaborative approach to conservation.

We’re proud to begin our 200th anniversary celebrations with this important recognition from The Royal Mint - highlighting our historic contribution to science and conservation, and our continued commitment to protecting species around the world.

Uniting our science, zoos and conservation – the story behind the coin

Since our founding 200 years ago, our research has expanded knowledge of animal biology, uncovered emerging threats and diseases, and pioneered solutions to conservation challenges. Our scientists have helped develop globally recognised systems for tracking wildlife declines and prioritising conservation action - tools that continue to guide efforts to protect species worldwide.

Our two conservation Zoos connect people to wildlife while advancing vital conservation science. They provide a home for internationally coordinated breeding programmes that support genetically healthy populations of threatened species, working with partners across the globe. These protected populations act as an essential safety net for species, alongside work tackling the threats they face in the wild.

Our conservation then takes our combined expertise directly into the field - restoring ecosystems, protecting species, and training the next generation of conservationists to help secure a future for wildlife everywhere.

Sumatran tiger – research and protect

The Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger represents our work to protect tigers and other big cats worldwide. Threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with people, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild.

We have supported wild tiger populations for decades — from pioneering camera-trap research to anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and restoration projects in countries including Russia, Nepal and Thailand. In our conservation Zoos, carefully managed breeding programmes help maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations, acting as a vital insurance policy for the species’ future.

Socorro dove – protecting and restoring a lost bird

Extinct-in-the-wild, the Socorro dove survives today only thanks to the dedication of zoos, including London and Whipsnade, contributing to the international breeding programme for the species. Our scientists and keepers have played a key role in understanding the Socorro dove and its needs, maintaining a genetically healthy population and preparing the species for reintroduction to its native Mexico - a major step towards restoring this species to the wild.

Partula snail – saving a species millimetre by millimetre

Once widespread across the islands of French Polynesia, Partula snails were wiped out by invasive predators.

Following a rescue mission to locate some of the final surviving individuals, we have led their global breeding programme for more than 30 years. Working from our conservation zoos, teams have successfully bred multiple species and, when conditions became safe, reintroduced thousands back into their native valleys.

This careful, long-term effort has saved species from extinction and, in recent years, returned them to their island homes - a powerful demonstration of what persistence can achieve in conservation.

A symbol for our 200th year

Together, the Sumatran tiger, Socorro dove, and Partula snail tell the story of ZSL’s unique approach: combining world-leading science, expert animal care, and on-the-ground conservation to protect and restore wildlife across the globe.

The Royal Mint’s commemorative coin is not only a celebration of our first 200 years - it is a symbol of our ongoing mission to ensure that these and countless other species have a future.

The new coin is available as part of The Royal Mint’s first Annual Set of the year, now available via The Royal Mint website.

Commemorative coins - 2026 Annual Sets