Animals in London Zoo

Opened in 1826, the Zoological Society of London, or ZSL London Zoo, is one of the oldest scientific zoos in the world.  

The concept of the Zoo was proposed by Sir Stamford Raffles, a nature and wildlife enthusiast who later turned his imagination into reality by laying the cornerstone of ZSL.

Initially, the Zoo granted access to only researchers in scientific studies. 

It was only in 1826 (almost 20 years) that the gates of the Zoo were opened to the general public. 

There are over 750 different animal species at this Zoo – and more than 20000 endangered and exotic animals.

It is better to know about the animals in the London Zoo and the zones in which you can find them to make navigation of routes easier. 

Before you visit the wildlife attraction, read up everything about London Zoo tickets.

Animals and Exhibits at London Zoo

The Zoo is laid out with the most modern thinking in Zoo design.

Animal enclosures are all planned with the idea of giving more space to the animals.

London Zoo exhibits are divided into Blue Zone, Orange Zone, and Pink Zone.

Blue Zone

The London Zoo’s Blue Zone is home to tigers, gorillas, camels, a Komodo dragon, red river hogs, and many reptiles.

Tiger Territory

Tigers have charm and personality- they walk fearlessly, and their roar can be heard from miles away. 

You’ll get face-to-face with Sumatran Tigers at Tiger Territory through glass enclosures. 

You can observe their climbing, predatory, and feeding habits here and understand how these keystone species maintain the ecosystem. 

The Gorilla Kingdom

The Gorilla Kingdom is unique and resonates with the African rainforest. 

When you enter this exhibit, you’ll first encounter the African aviary and then the gorilla kingdom, which looks very real with an artificial island and indoor gymnasium facility. 

This exhibit offers beautiful vantage points as it is spread over a vast area. 

Don’t forget to meet Alika and Gernot, children of Mjukuu or ‘Jookie.’ Watch them playing and rooting vegetables. 

Camels (Domestic Bactrian Camels)

Three species of camels exist – Bactrian Camels, Arabian Camels, and Wild Bactrian Camels. 

Of these, the ZSL Zoo hosts Bactrian Camels.

Genghis and Noemie are the two Bactrian Camels you can spot at the Camels exhibit. 

Bactrian Camels are distinguished from the other species because their dumble humped back and withstand incredible temperatures ranging from 40C to -30C. 

Reptile House

Come to the Reptile House and meet the different reptiles and amphibians, like snakes, frogs, lizards, and crocodiles. 

This exhibit holds a great surprise for you all!

Red River Hogs

The red river hogs exhibit is the most unique of all the animals showcased in the blue zone because it looks so amazingly different- their orange to reddish brown fur, black legs, and tufted white stripes on their spine. 

Red river hogs, or bushpigs, are wild members of the pig family found in Africa. They prefer living in areas near rivers or swamps. 

Come fast as Ava, Cameron, Pedro, Penny, Phoebe, Shane, and Tommy wait to see you in their enclosures. 

Recommended Reading
– How to reach London Zoo
– Family tickets at London Zoo
– Food & drinks at ZSL London Zoo
– London Zoo or Whipsnade Zoo
– London Zoo Lodges

Pink Zone

The Pink Zone of England’s best zoo is home to giraffes, zebras, pygmy hippos, okapi, lemurs, otters, meerkats, warthogs, African wild dogs, and more.

It also has two of the most popular exhibits – Rainforest Life and Monkey Valley exhibit.

Giraffes

Giraffes are everyone’s favorite– their long necks and legs and striking brown, yellow coat patterns make them all the more beautiful. 

The giraffe exhibit is the most special attraction here. Kids love watching giraffes eat grass and socialize with other giraffes. 

Zebra (Chapman’s)

Meet the Champan’s Zebra at the ZSL London Zoo and learn interesting facts about them. 

Chapman’s Zebras, named after its describer James Chapman, is a subspecies of the plains zebra.

Pygmy Hippos

Come face to face with Thug and Nicky, the two pygmy hippos at the Zoo. 

Since pygmy hippos love soaking in warm water, their enclosures are equipped with solar panels to maintain the pond’s temperature. 

Okapi

Okapis are relatives of the giraffe family and are thus often called forest giraffes, Congolese giraffes, or zebra giraffes.

They’ve reddish brown stripes with thick fur coats and look very beautiful.

The ZSL London Zoo has been protecting Okapis, which are endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. 

Lemurs

If you’re at the ZSL London Zoo, remember to see lemurs. Although they are often associated with the families of monkeys and apes, lemurs belong to a different primate group.

The most interesting thing about lemurs is that they are found in Madagascar only.

Lemurs come in all shapes and sizes, but at London Zoo, you will find ring-tailed lemurs.

Otters

Say hello to oriental small-clawed otters, the smallest species of otter. 

Meerkats

Meerkats are small mongooses that can be found at the Zoo. 

They have light grey to yellowish-brown coats and can thermoregulate themselves. 

Warthog

Get closer to Warthogs in England’s capital and learn more about their appearances and feeding habits. 

Warthogs are wild pigs with four tusks (two uppers and two lower), and both males and females have ‘warts’ (protective bumps on their faces giving them their name).

African Wild Dog

Who doesn’t love dogs? At ZSL Zoo, you will find a different breed of dog—African wild dogs—that are wild and native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

African wild dogs are also known as Painted Dogs (because of the unique black and white patches on their body) and Cape Hunting Dogs (because of their strategic hunting abilities). 

They’re listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List, so a visit to their enclosure is a must. 

Rainforest Life

Get eye-to-eye with monkeys, sloths, and tamanduas, the residents of the Rainforest Life.

After visiting them, head into the ‘Night Life’ area, where you’ll see the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest. 

Monkey Valley exhibit

The Monkey Valley exhibit is a recent addition to the ZSL London Zoo, which opened to the general public on August 15, 2022. 

Watch white and black fluffy Colobus monkeys hanging, lounging, and swinging on trees as they wait to see you!

Orange Zone

ZSL London Zoo’s Orange Zone houses the Galápagos tortoises, lions, yellow mongooses, greater flamingos, alpacas, llamas, hyacinth macaws, brown-nosed coati, and more.

It also has three exhibits popular with both kids and adults – Butterfly Paradise, Tiny Giants, and Penguin Beach.

Galápagos tortoises

Meet the largest tortoise in the world with a life expectancy of over 150 years– Galápagos tortoises.

They are extraordinary, and you can learn amazing survival stories from the guides. 

Dolly, Polly, and Priscilla are the female Galápagos tortoises you can watch bathing in the pond and rolling in mud.

Land of the Lions

Step into the Land of the Lions, the land of famous Asiatic lions.

Meet the new member of the land, lioness Arya and hear her stories about the move to the London Zoo. 

Three walkways cover the exhibit, spread over 2,500 sqm of land. 

The exhibit is Indian-themed and has areas like a train station, crumbling temple clearing, high street, and guard hut to explore. 

Yellow Mongoose

In this part of the zoo, you will meet the world’s best diggers of burrows, the yellow mongoose.

They are called yellow mongooses because of their yellow coat color. 

Greater Flamingo

Discover the most beautiful birds at Zoo London – greater flamingo.

Flamingos are known for their bright pink feathers, stilt-like legs, S-shaped neck, and ability to run on water. 

Penguin Beach

Watch Humboldt penguins fly underwater and show other moves at Penguin Beach. 

The beach recreates the south American beach landscape, a treat to the eyes. 

This is one exhibit where you will see flocks of visitors outside the exhibit waiting to capture the movements of Humboldt penguins. 

Alpacas

Get close to Alpacas, a species of South American camelid mammal.

During the third lockdown in 2021, three cute furry male trios joined the Zoo: Alpacaccino, Cuenca, and Cookie. 

Llama

Llamas are South American Camelids that have very long necks. 

They are famous for their wool, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see them at the London Zoo. 

Tiny Giants

Experience the world of the planet’s smallest creatures, from underwater corals and aquatic wildlife to ants, spiders, and beetles. 

Get a bug’s eye view of the world of tiny giants, where you can spot spiders and ants hiding behind leaves and grasses. 

In With The Spiders is the UK’s first-ever spider walkthrough exhibit. 

Come closer to the reef aquarium and see the underwater creatures that clean oceans, seas, and rivers. 

Visit the Zoo’s Partula Lab, where Critically Endangered tree snails are being reared as part of a breeding and reintroduction program to save the species from extinction.

Butterfly Paradise

Butterfly Paradise is heaven inside the Zoo, showcasing an array of butterflies from several major regions, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.

During your visit to this exhibit, you can learn about butterfly lifecycles, their environment, how they help the ecosystem, and what threats they face in the present world. 

Major highlights of the Butterfly Paradise are tiny butterfly eggs, giant caterpillars, and butterfly feeding stations.

Hyacinth Macaw

Come closer to the hyacinth macaw exhibit and watch these stunning birds perching on branches and flying in the air. 

Hyacinth Macaws are the largest parrots in the world and are so attractive that you can’t get your eyes off them. 

Coati (Brown-nosed)

Visit the Coati (Brown-nosed) exhibit and look at these majestic raccoon family members. 

Coatis have brown, grey, or rust-red coats with long tails that help them climb trees. 

At ZSL Zoo, you don’t just get a chance to see animals living peacefully in their exhibits. You also learn more about their appearance, behavior, and history, which can bring you closer to nature. 

When you’re at the Zoo, we expect you to devote ample time to each exhibit and try to learn as many things as possible.