More Than Just a Zoo: London’s Commitment to Conservation
London Zoo is much more than a recreational site; it is a global conservation centre. The zoo is a branch of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the money that visitors spend is directly invested in wildlife conservation projects in over 70 countries. Everything done here is not just limited to the zoo, but it has a ripple effect on the wildlife conservation across the globe.
Another success story of London Zoo is in the breeding and reintroduction of partula snails. Since its formation in 1994, as a co-ordinating body for 16 zoos, London Zoo has been instrumental in rearing 25 of these diminutive gastropods to the stage where they can be released back into the wild. This initiative is one of the ways in which knowledge and skills obtained in the zoo are applied in the global conservation of animals.
Further, London Zoo’s research with the endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and the mountain chicken frog shows its conservation initiatives. In the light of this, scientific research and other techniques like the use of temperature controlled pools to fight diseases are some of the measures that the zoo is taking to help in restocking and hence improving the lives of these animals in the wild.
How Zoo Animals Safeguard Their Wild Counterparts
London Zoo is the oldest scientific institution in this great city and for many years it has been the place that develops passion for nature and concern for its protection in children’s hearts. Animals in London Zoo and Whipsnade are involved in the conservation process and currently, more than a dozen species in their custody are no longer found in the wild. These species are protected at the zoo while their counterparts in the wild are threatened with extinction in various ways.
Some of the programs that the zoo runs involve employing the professional services of qualified personnel such as zookeepers and curators to undertake international breeding programs in order to increase the genetic stock of endangered species. Species are introduced and exchanged between leading zoos of Europe in a way that ensures that breeding populations are healthy. This work is important for the preservation of the chance of the re-wilding of these species, thus providing a chance for species that are on the edge of extinction.
However, apart from breeding programs, London Zoo engages in other conservation activities including fight against wildlife trafficking. The conservation in practice is demonstrated at the zoo through the Tiny Giants where a live coral reef has been grown from corals recovered from poachers. In this way, the zoo helps to preserve the species of marine life, which is threatened by climate change, and develop the knowledge of endangered corals’ cultivation.
London Zoo: The development of conservation science for almost two hundred years.
London Zoo was established nearly 200 years ago as the first scientific zoo in the world and has been involved in zoological researches. A quest that started with the intention of studying the nature has turned into a race against time to prevent species extinction, conserve endangered species and find ways through which human beings can live with other species. This aspect of discovery, however, has persisted as a key function of the zoo up to the present time.
Under the East Tunnel of the zoo, there is the Institute of Zoology which is the premier hub of research for the conservation of animals as it is home to over three hundred scientists, data researchers, and technical specialists. The institute’s research contributes to the global conservation agenda by working on creating technologies to fight wildlife trafficking and researching diseases that threaten species. Thus, by offering the scientific background to these endeavours, London Zoo remains the key participant in the battle for the conservation of the Earth’s biological diversity.
Discover the Wonders of London Zoo
London Zoo is a place where people can visit to watch many species of animals and at the same time contribute to the conservation of many species. Whether it is observing the lions and tigers or the monkeys and apes, strolling through the rain forest or the savanah or listening to the zoos scientific research, every trip to the London Zoo is an adventure and a contribution to the battle for the preservation of the animal kingdom.
Habitats
London Zoo presents the visitors with an opportunity to experience a different world of ecosystems all in a day. Starting from the tropical rainforest to the African savannah, all the environments are well designed to mimic the settings of the animals they host. These realistic environments help the visitors to feel closer to the animals from all over the world and understand the significance of the preservation of wildlife.
Bird Safari
Visit the Bird Safari and enter their large African flight aviary. Here, you can see a great number of the birds that are indigenous to the continent, from the brightly colored turacos to the magnificent hornbills. These birds are free to fly above and around the visitors and this makes the aviary to be unique and to give the visitors a close touch of the African birds. It is a great place for birders and anyone interested in knowing more about the rich birding potential of Africa.
Blackburn Pavilion
The Blackburn Pavilion is a place that is located inside the London Zoo and it is a beautiful opportunity for the visitors to get inside the green house and see how the exotic birds live. This is a live bird walk-through avary where you can see the colorful toucans, the singing starlings, and the famous kookaburras. The pavilion has lush green vegetation and water falling down which gives a feeling as if you are in a rainforest. It is a perfect place for those who decided to meet some of the most unique birds of the entire world in the closest way possible.
Butterfly Paradise
Take a virtual tour of Butterfly Paradise, a tropical garden home to butterflies of the world. You will walk through this colorful environment and every now and then you will see wings flying around in all sorts of colors. The conditions inside the greenhouse are similar to the warm and humid climate which is so suitable for butterflies, so it is the best place for them. For the experienced lepidopterist or for those who just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the world that nature has to offer, Butterfly Paradise is a great opportunity.
Giants of the Galápagos
Enter the Giants of the Galápagos environment and get yourself to the isolated islands that are the source of inspiration for the famous theory of evolution by Charles Darwin. This exhibit is among the most unique in the world, housing some of the world’s most unique reptiles such as the giant Galápagos tortoises. These slow-moving, giant turtles with their shells that are as big as their bodies, let one capture a glimpse of what the world was like millions of years ago. Watching them you will learn about the specific conditions of the Galápagos Islands and the importance of the measures that should be taken to save these giants.
Gorilla Kingdom
Visit the Gorilla Kingdom where you will be introduced to the western lowland gorillas, and the giant silverback Kiburi weighing 193kgs. This type of environment is meant to mimic the Central African forests to ensure that the gorillas have a natural environment in which they can exercise and play in. People can see these magnificent but friendly animals in action and learn about their intricate system of organization and the necessity of their conservation in the nature. Gorilla Kingdom is a wonderful chance to meet one of the closest relatives of people in the kingdom of animals.
In with the Lemurs
Experience the wilderness in the In with the Lemurs where visitors are introduced to a group of the most expressive ring-tailed lemurs. This is a walk through enclosure that mimics the forests of Madagascar and these very social animals are able to jump and swing over and around you. As you walk through it, the visitors are informed of the urgent conservation measures that are being taken to protect these attractive animals whose natural habitats are threatened. It is one of the most amazing experiences which makes you stand before one of the most famous inhabitants of Madagascar.
London Zoo Events: What’s Happening Next?
London Zoo is not a place that is short of activities throughout the year, there are always activities for everyone. This is why there is always something going on, whether it is the opening of a new exhibit, family friendly trails or exclusive adults only nights. Make sure to check their calendar to make sure you do not miss anything that they are up to. If you fancy a day out with the children or an evening’s entertainment, then a trip to London Zoo is for you. Their seasonal events add a whole new dimension to the zoo and are a great way for people of all ages to have a great time.
