23 April 2026
Explore 200 years of ZSL: people, passion, and protecting wildlife
As part of our 200th anniversary year celebrations, visitors to both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo can explore a brand-new exhibition bringing ZSL’s extraordinary history to life.
These new, interactive heritage displays tell a shared story. In 2024, to mark the two-year countdown to our anniversary, we launched the History Hive - a public call-out inviting people to share their memories, photographs, footage and connections to ZSL. The response was incredible. Contributions from visitors, supporters and former staff come together in the ZSL at 200 Exhibition, sitting alongside archival material to create a collective picture of our past, present and future.
Together, the stories told reveal the many ways ZSL has connected people with wildlife over the last two centuries - from family visits to the sparks of curiosity that have shaped conservation, science and culture.
Children engaging with the ZSL at 200 Exhibition
Take a tour through history
At the centre of the exhibition is a striking installation. A large, colourful cube forms the heart of the display, with each of its sides representing a different part of ZSL’s history. Alongside it, a pop culture tower of giant books, television screens and stereos highlight ZSL’s influence across film, literature and art, while a listening bench offers a reflective space focused on the future.
As visitors move through the installation, they encounter a rich mix of historic footage, archival imagery and stories shared through the History Hive. Visuals transport visitors back in time, while interactive elements invite discussion - and make for fun photo opportunities! Telling one central ZSL story while sharing unique moments from each of our Zoo’s fascinating histories, the exhibition offers something for all ages - whether you’re discovering ZSL for the first time or you’ve been visiting to make new connections with wildlife all your life.
Six ways to tell our story
The exhibition is structured around six key themes, each representing an area where ZSL has made a lasting contribution.
Leaps and Bounds explores some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs in ZSL’s history, highlighting our role in advancing understanding of the natural world and protecting species globally. From ground-breaking veterinary work supporting wildlife health to conservation breakthroughs that have restored animals from the brink of extinction.
Women and Wildlife shines a light on the pioneering women who have shaped ZSL, from our early days as the first learned society to admit female Fellows through to the scientists and conservationists leading our work today. You can even get ‘stuck’ in a giant web, inspired by pioneering entomologist Evelyn Cheesman, who had that very same experience while on expedition in Colombia.
Zoo and You focuses on the relationship between people and our Zoos, drawing directly on stories and images shared through the History Hive project. It captures generations of connection, from album snaps of childhood visits to family moments captured on film in days gone by at our conservation Zoos.
Pop Culture reveals how ZSL has inspired creativity across the centuries. From Winnie-the-Pooh and the famous bear’s origins at London Zoo, to appearances in literature, film and music, this section shows how encounters with animals at our conservation zoos have inspired storytelling far beyond the zoo itself.
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage explores the exhibition
Grand Designs explores the architecture and design at ZSL, showcasing our iconic buildings, evolving identity - from uniforms to logos - and the many ways our influence has extended into the design world.
The Future brings the exhibition into the present day and beyond. At the listening bench, visitors can hear stories from ZSL conservation projects around the world, alongside voices from the next generation sharing their hopes for wildlife and people.
Plan your visit
The ZSL at 200 Exhibition is more than a retrospective - it is a celebration of progress for nature, a recognition of the people who have shaped ZSL’s story, and a reminder of the role we all play in protecting wildlife.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with your own memories, this exhibition invites you to see ZSL’s story - and your place within it - in new ways. You can experience the ZSL at 200 Exhibition at both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo from now until the end of the year – free with zoo entry.
Celebrating 200 years
Founded in 1826, ZSL has spent two centuries working to restore wildlife and support ecosystems around the globe. Today our mission continues through conservation projects in more than 80 countries, alongside our two conservation zoos: London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo.