All about London Zoo’s bicentenary celebration

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… Read More