The King and Queen celebrate 200 years of ZSL at London Zoo

During their time at London Zoo, The King and Queen visited a number of habitats showcasing the rich history of ZSL and how the conservation charity continues to pioneer research into animal biology and conservation. 

Founded in 1826, this year marks the 200th anniversary of the global conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London). For two centuries, ZSL has focused on pioneering science, global conservation, and inspiring connections between people and wildlife. In 1828, ZSL created London Zoo in Regent’s Park as the world’s first scientific Zoo. 

This visit marks His Majesty’s first as Patron of ZSL, a role held by every monarch since 1828. 

At the Giants of the Galápagos tortoise habitat, The King and Queen presented a ‘watermelon cake’ to tortoises Polly, Dolly and Priscilla in celebration of the Zoo’s bicentenary anniversary. Their Majesties heard how ZSL Fellow Charles Darwin’s observations of Galápagos tortoises were crucial to his theory of evolution. 

On Penguin Beach, The King and Queen joined the Zoo’s veterinarian team undertaking health checks on a Humboldt penguin. The King and Queen also observed laser training exercises, used to encourage and observe movement in penguins – including swimming and diving, which allows vets to spot any health concerns. The laser pointer used mimics the sparkling scales of fish, which penguins are known to chase. 

Whilst at Penguin Beach, The King and Queen heard about the creation of a new wildlife health centre, announced by ZSL to mark their 200th anniversary. The new centre will: investigate diseases in animals; train wildlife vets in the UK and around the world; track how diseases spread between species; support conservation programmes around the world and provide new veterinary facilities for the animals at ZSL’s two Zoos – London and Whipsnade. 

Their Majesties reunited to view a snake mosaic, created as a permanent piece at the Zoo to mark the 200th anniversary. The mosaic, shaped as a 53-foot snake, honours pioneering zoologist Joan Beauchamp Procter, the first female curator of reptiles at ZSL and one of the most influential reptile experts of the 20th century.  

Finally, in the Tiny Giants habitat, His Majesty heard about the ZSL’s conservation programme to protect Partula tree snails from extinction, while Her Majesty viewed the Zoo’s western honeybee colony.