In a remarkable initiative brimming with nostalgia and promise, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the esteemed conservation charity steering the venerable ships of London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, proudly announces the launch of “History Hive”. This visionary project, unveiled with palpable excitement on Monday, 29 April 2024, precisely two years ahead of its much-anticipated bicentenary, beckons the public to partake in bringing ZSL’s illustrious 200-year narrative vividly to life.
Amid the frenzy of anticipation for this landmark celebration, History Hive stands as a beacon, inviting an eclectic tapestry of submissions ranging from cherished zoo memorabilia to poignant personal recollections. This includes anything from whimsical vintage zoo toys and treasured historic tickets to heartfelt correspondence and detailed maps, all weaving together to enrich ZSL’s understanding of its multifaceted history. Imagine the exhibition in 2026, shimmering with artefacts both from the ZSL’s treasure trove and the public’s contributions, narrating the legacy of ZSL’s profound impact on animal care, conservation efforts, and the quintessential fabric of London and British culture at large.
Among the already notable items within ZSL’s archives are rarities such as a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, a 1940s limited-edition bear-shaped soap commemorating Brumas the polar bear’s birth, historical zookeeper uniforms encapsulating decades of change, and a decoratively painted ostrich egg celebrating the 1931 opening of Whipsnade Zoo.
This ambitious call to action not only seeks physical artefacts but also vibrant stories for ZSL’s Oral History Archive, aiming to immortalise firsthand accounts and celebrate the charity’s enduring legacy of connecting humanity with wildlife. It’s fascinating to note how ZSL coined the terms ‘zoo’ and ‘aquarium’, revolutionising public interaction with the animal kingdom, and nurtured connections with luminaries from Charles Darwin to Sir David Attenborough, even touching the world of fiction with A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh.
Tina Campanella, ZSL’s Bicentenary Project Manager, encapsulates the organisation’s sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the shared celebrations ahead and the rich tapestry of stories they hope to unveil. Similarly, Natasha Wakely, ZSL’s Archivist, highlights the significance of the History Hive as a conduit for unearthing and sharing the material culture intrinsic to ZSL’s bicentennial narrative, while Matthew Gould, ZSL CEO, reflects on the organisation’s pivotal role in global conservation and scientific discovery over two centuries.
The climax of the History Hive initiative will be a grand exhibition in 2026 at London Zoo, inviting contributors and the public to witness the unveiling of this shared history and look forward to a new century of critical conservation efforts. Interactive displays, talks, and trails will enrich this celebratory exhibition, spotlighting the collective support that fuels ZSL’s mission.
In what promises to be a captivating fusion of history, conservation, and community engagement, ZSL extends an open invitation to contribute to the History Hive via www.zsl.org/historyhive, marking a unique opportunity to be part of a monumental celebration that blends the past with a passionate envisioning of the future.