"Taking the Tube to Regent Park station and boarding a tram to the zoo,
you are transported from thriving city metropolis to lush green park.
Opening in 1828, the London Zoological Park is the oldest scientific zoo,
and has reached numerous milestones in its time. It can boast having
the first reptile house in 1849, the first public aquarium opening in 1853,
and the first insect house in 1881, as well as starting the first international
co-operative breeding program in 1962 with an Arabian oryx sent to Phoenix Zoo.
The London Zoo, in Regent Park, is a dual zoo with its sister zoo,
Whipsnade in Bedfordshire. They both are run by the Zoological Society
of London (ZSL). The ZSL was founded in 1826 and participate in conservation
programs in Britain as well as in over 30 countries worldwide. Projects
include rhino relocation and an innovative research and conservation
initiative named Edge of Existence that focuses on the world's most
Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered EDGE species.
Maintaining a collection of over 600 species, with over 15,000 individuals;
the London Zoo hosts a variety of interesting exhibits to discover. Their
Clore Rainforest Lookout being a favourite of mine, showcased a basement to
rooftop South American rainforest with no barriers and various species
including; sloths, pygmy and silvery marmosets, agouti, and black necked
aracari. Other exhibits include a new 5.3 million Gorilla Kingdom and a Meet the
Monkeys walkthrough with black-capped squirrel monkeys frolicking over head.
Another highlight to see is their Animals in Action live animal presentation,
which at the time of my visit included a pair of green-winged macaws, a
black and white ruffed lemur, a European Eagle owl and a meerkat,
all displaying their different adaptations and behaviours.
With a slogan of Living Conservation, ZSL holds value in our books,
providing awareness, education and understanding through all its mediums.
If you can't visit their Zoo, visit their website for interactive games,
podcasts, blogs, information, videos and much more."
~ excerpt from News from the Underground - November Issue.(Stephanie Mayo) ~
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London Zoo's Animals in Action live show: meerkat, macaws, black & white ruffed lemur |
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