The Charles Hayward Foundation recently generously funded redevelopment of the Reading Room to transform it into a welcoming, engaging and more flexible space. The Library reopened on 5th March 2024 and we hope you are able to visit us soon to see our transformation.
ZSL Prince Philip Zoological Library & Archives is open by appointment 10:30am to 5pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.
The Library of the Zoological Society of London houses ZSL’s Archives which range from manuscript minutes to computer print-outs.
Based in the Library of the Zoological Society of London, the Archives of ZSL are a range of records of interest to researchers into Zoo History. The majority of the records have been produced as a result of ZSL’s activities. The main use of the Archives will be for the history of ZSL itself and the zoos it owns: London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo; however there are other uses as varied as family history and studies of culture and society.
Examples found amongst the many items are:
Minutes of Committees
- Minutes of Council. Dating from 1826 to the present, these are perhaps the most important of the records, as they detail the decision-making of the Council of Fellows that run the Society.
- Minutes of the General Meetings. These are the Fellows’ AGMs.
- Minutes of the Gardens Committee (i.e. London Zoo)
- Minutes of the Whipsnade Committee
Daily Occurrences of London Zoo and Whipsnade. Completed daily, these list the arrivals and departures, births and deaths of animals at London Zoo and Whipsnade. Other details mentioned in some of the books are numbers of visitors and money taken, particular visitors, keepers absent, unwell animals, building works, temperatures in the animal houses, and weather.
Staff cards. A very useful resource for people tracing ancestors that worked at ZSL. The cards cover all sorts of jobs at London Zoo, Whipsnade and the ZSL Main Offices, including zoo keepers, accountants, carpenters and librarians.
19th Century Letter Collection. These letters are mainly from Fellows to the Secretary of ZSL. Sadly, there are no replies. Authors include: Darwin, Abraham Bartlett, the Duke of Bedford, Wallace, and Barnum.
Ephemera or Objects (or in this case perhaps ‘Zoophemera’). For example: London and Whipsnade Zoo guides, posters and leaflets, Music Hall songsheets.
Non-ZSL donated items. Includes collections of letters from the Buckland family, Brian Hodgson and Joan Procter; also the papers of the Association of British Zoologists.
There are, of course, many other types of records, including: medals, tickets, a keeper’s uniform, post-mortem books, menus, press-cuttings albums, charters, maps and plans.
Using the Archives
ZSL Archives have not yet been fully catalogued, and so finding specific information can be time-consuming. A project to list the Archives is currently being carried out and we have launched a new ZSL Archives catalogue and website which will be developed further as we approach ZSL's 200th anniversary in 2026. Use this catalogue to find out more about our institutional archives and the history of ZSL.
It is free to use ZSL Archives and Library; however an appointment needs to be made in advance so that archives can be retrieved. Proof of address and photo ID need to be shown unless the user is already a Fellow or Member of the Library or of ZSL.
Use the ZSL Archives catalogue to view items currently listed. More is continually being added.
How do I search only for archives?
Use our ZSL Archives catalogue it does not list other material in ZSL Library.
What do I need to make a note of?
Please write down the Reference, e.g. DOC is the reference for Daily Occurrences.
Can anyone use the Archives?
Yes, just bring along proof of address and photo ID (this is essential).
Will I need to make an appointment?
Please tell us when you are coming in advance, as the Archivist may not be available and we prefer to reserve a desk and get out material ready for your visit.
How many items can I request to view on my visit?
We get out material in advance of your visit and have a daily limit of 10 items per person. We cannot usually retrieve items on the day of your visit so please do contact us in advance.
Can I use ink pens or biros next to the Archives?
No, pencils only please.
Can I use my laptop?
Yes and we have wifi in ZSL Library. View our wifi policy.
Can I photocopy or scan the archives?
The Archives cannot be photocopied or scanned as they may be damaged by light. With the Archivist's permission you can use a camera (without a flash) to take pictures of archives only (not books). Alternatively, with the Archivist's permission, you may be able to use our self-service scanner NB you will need a USB stick to use the scanner. You must also sign a copyright form first.
Using the Archives & contacting us
If you would like to use the Archives, or have something to offer to us, please contact the archivist, Natasha Wakely, at library@zsl.org .
Please make an appointment in advance of your visit by emailing us at library@zsl.org.
Please read our regulations for 'Using the Library' and consulting 'Special Collections'.