London Zoo UK

London Zoo was the world's first scientific zoo. It was opened in 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study, it was eventually made open to the public in 1847. Today London Zoo houses a collection of more than 650 different species of animals.

The Society also has a more spacious site at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire and London Zoo's larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved there.

As well as being the first scientific zoo, London Zoo also opened the first Reptile House (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo in 1938.

London Zoo is currently undergoing a massive renovation project aimed at replacing cages with enclosures which recreate the animals' natural environments, giving a better lifestyle to the animals, and a more realistic experience to visitors. For example, a new african rainforest, african savanna, and insect exhibit are underway. BBC News story.

Since its earliest days, London Zoo has prided itself on appointing leading architects to design its buildings. These include:

• The Clock Tower (1828, originally built to house llamas) and the Giraffe House (1836-1837) by Decimus Burton (both Grade II listed buildings).
• The Mappin Terraces (1913-1914) by Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell and John James Joass (listed Grade II).
• The Penguin Pool (1934).
• The Round House (built 1932-1933 to house the London Zoo's gorillas) and the North Gate Kiosk (1936) - all by Berthold Lubetkin's Tecton firm, with inputs on the Penguin Pool from leading structural engineer Ove Arup (the first two structures are now listed Grade I, kiosk Grade II).

(The Penguin Pool is no longer considered suitable for penguins, so the birds have been moved to a pool elsewhere in the zoo. As of summer 2005, Lubetkin's structure was home to two African porcupines, and the zoo was considering options for its long-term use).

• The Snowdon aviary (1962-1964) by Lord Snowdon, Cedric Price and Frank Newby
• The Elephant and Rhino House (1962-1965) designed by Sir Hugh Casson and Neville Conder. (Now no longer considered suitable for these large creatures.)

Many films and television programmes have been filmed at London Zoo, the most famous being the reptile house scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

50 London Attractions - 1 Ticket: The London Pass for the best deals on entrance tickets many with fast track entry.It includes this attraction.

Further information can be found on the London Zoo official website.

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