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Looking for info about London Zoo? The Bumper Crew has it covered! Here’s everything you need to know before you visit. Welcome to the extraordinary world of the London Zoo, where nature’s wonders come to life and curiosity knows no bounds. Located in The Regent’s Park, London, this iconic zoo has captivated people for over a century. With its rich history, diverse collection of animals, and commitment to conservation. London Zoo immerses you in the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom and is a must-visit if you’re an animal lover like we are.
We visited London Zoo during our 2-day London Pass itinerary and absolutely loved it. We’d go as far as to say it was our favourite attraction, with the Tower of London a close second. Read on to discover everything you need to know before visiting London Zoo!
ZSL London Zoo
Have you ever wondered what ZSL stands for? We have. Ha. It stands for Zoological Society of London. And now you know. London Zoo is part of ZSL, a global wildlife conservation charity active in over 70 countries. So, by visiting London Zoo, you are contributing to the vital work ZSL does to restore habitats and protect wildlife around the world. Impressive, eh?
When you step inside the zoo, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a kaleidoscope of wildlife from all corners of the globe. The zoo is home to around 16,000 animals from about 750 species, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the world. See the official website for a complete list of animals at the zoo. But below are a few highlights to explore and encounters that await you within the zoo.
Walks with Lemurs & Monkeys
One of the best things about London Zoo is the feeling of being up close and personal with the animals, and being in with the lemurs and monkeys enforces that feeling. As you walk through the lemur enclosure, you’ll be roaming right through where they live, with no cages between you and them. It reminded us a little of Trentham Monkey Forest, just on a much smaller scale.
There’s also Monkey Valley on the opposite side of Regent’s Canal, where you can walk among the Colobus monkeys. However, Monkey Valley isn’t always open to walk through, so it’s worth checking the opening times to plan this into your visit.
Butterfly Paradise
Most butterflies don’t live that long – most no more than a month. So, it’s great to see London Zoo has a little place just for them, and one you can walk through and experience them fluttering through the air, their delicate wings covered with intricate patterns and vibrant colours. Inside, you’ll find a section where the zoo breeds some butterflies, but most come from butterfly farms, which seems kind of crazy and amazing at once. Who knew butterfly farms existed?
Penguin Beach
At Penguin Beach, you can observe the playful antics of a colony of charismatic penguins and witness these charming birds swim, slide, and waddle around their habitat. There are talks given by the staff, too, where you can learn about their unique behaviours, conservation efforts, and the challenges they face in the wild. And right next to Penguin Beach is a telephone box, which happens to be a Grade II listed building, so keep your eye out for that.
Land of the Lions
London Zoo is home to some awesome animals, including some lions! They live in Land of the Lions, a regal realm that brings the vibrant sights and sounds of the Indian subcontinent to London. Encounter majestic Asiatic lions in a breathtaking re-creation of their native environment, which includes mock-ups of shops from India, which are really cool! In fact, this was one of the most interesting parts of the zoo because it was unusual to see such effort put into the design of an exhibit somewhere like a zoo.
The Farmyard
For the children, or the child in you, there’s a place where you can get hands-on with some animals, mainly goats. You can enter their enclosure and see these playful animals milling about.
If you’re looking for another city farm, we recommend checking out Mudchute Park and Farm. You get up close and personal with the animals, and best of all, it’s free! And it’s a great location to explore the best things to do in Greenwich, given it’s just over the river.
Into Africa
Embark on an African adventure as you explore the “Into Africa” exhibit. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the savanna, home to plenty of African species. Learn about the conservation challenges facing these iconic animals and the efforts to protect their habitats.
Into Africa is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Zoo because it’s home to some of their most iconic animals – the giraffes. They are housed in Giraffe House, a Grade II listed building, which you can enter to see their living quarters. Over in Into Africa, you’ll also find the rather shy Okapi and even some zebras.
See the Gorillas
Journey deep into the heart of the rainforest at Gorilla Kingdom, where you’ll catch sight of the largest of primates, the western lowland gorillas. You can watch their powerful yet gentle nature as they navigate their lush habitat, see what critical conservation work is being done to protect gorillas in the wild and learn how you can make a difference.
The gorillas weren’t up to much when we visited – just lazing about living their best lives. Ha.
Keeper Talks
Engage in educational and entertaining keeper talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Knowledgeable zookeepers will share fascinating insights into the behaviours, conservation efforts, and unique characteristics of the animals in their care. These interactive sessions provide a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom and the importance of wildlife preservation.
To find out what’s on during your visit, check out the board when you enter the zoo – it gives you the times and locations of each talk.
London Zoo Location & Info
📍London Zoo, Outer Circle, The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY
🚇 Nearest tube – Camden Town
🚌 274 (Baker Street / Camden)
💷 Up to £31 / see latest ticket prices
🕙 Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
📞 0344 225 1826
FAQs
Can i visit London Zoo with The London Pass?
Yes, you can visit the zoo with The London Pass. It’s a great way to visit the zoo and may be more cost-effective if you plan to visit other attractions in London. We’ve put together a London Pass review and a 2-day itinerary.
Is London Zoo worth the money?
Visiting London Zoo is expensive, but yes, we’d say it is. Although we visited with The London Pass, so we didn’t pay to enter, we think it’s worth the money because it’s a great day out, plus the animals need looking after, and the zoo does some excellent conservation work. So, visiting London Zoo is more than just seeing some animals – you’re contributing more than that by buying your ticket.
Is London Zoo worth visiting?
Yes, it is worth visiting. Undoubtedly, London Zoo is one of the best attractions in London, and a visit will occupy you for a few hours as you wander around seeing the wide variety of animals. And visiting the zoo helps fund ZSL’s conservation efforts all over the world, so you’re doing some good by visiting.
How long do I need at London Zoo?
You need at least two hours at the zoo. Any less, and you’ll be rushing around. It’s easy to spend more time there, especially if you are stopping for lunch. There’s a lot to see, and you won’t want to miss anything.
How many animals are at London Zoo?
London Zoo is home to around 16,000 animals from about 750 species.
How big is London Zoo?
The zoo covers 36 acres and is located in Regent’s Park in London.
How many people visit London Zoo in a year?
London Zoo attracts around 1,000,000 visitors per year.
How do I get to London Zoo?
The London Zoo is conveniently located in The Regent’s Park and can be accessed via public transport, including the London Underground and buses. There are also nearby parking facilities for those travelling by car. Camden Town is the nearest tube station and buses 274 passes the zoo entrance.
What’s the nearest tube station to London Zoo?
The nearest Underground station to London Zoo is Camden Town, a 10 to 15-minute walk away.
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