Zoological Society of London

The Zoological Society of London runs London Zoo in Regent’s Park and Whipsnade Zoo on the Chiltern Hills. London Zoo opened to members in 1828 and to the public in 1847. Whipsnade Zoo began in 1931 as the world’s first open zoological park. Both sites house large animal collections for conservation and study. The society also operates the Institute of Zoology, a research centre specialising in species recovery and biodiversity. The society was founded in 1826 by Stamford Raffles and Humphry Davy among others. It received a royal charter in 1829 and soon became home to the Royal Menagerie donated by William IV. Peter Chalmers Mitchell later expanded its work by establishing Whipsnade Zoo in 1931. Today the Institute of Zoology publishes research on wildlife health and climate impacts. Fellows include Sir David Attenborough and the Emperor Emeritus Akihito of Japan. Visitors to London Zoo walk past historic animal houses in Regent’s Park. Whipsnade Zoo spreads across 600 acres of Chiltern hills with wide grassy paths. Both zoos display animals from around the world and host conservation talks. The Institute of Zoology supports scientific work behind the scenes. The society’s publications and awards recognise global contributions to zoology.