LONDON ZOO APPEALS FOR HELP FROM PUBLIC TO MARK ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY

London Zoo has asked the public to share their memories and memorabilia for an exhibition celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Items submitted by the public such as vintage zoo toys and historic tickets will be showcased alongside artefacts from its archive to mark the landmark occasion in 2026.

Notable items already on the zoo’s archive include a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, a limited-edition bear-shaped soap from the 1940’s which marked the birth of a polar bear at the zoo, and a decorated ostrich egg.

People have also been asked to share their memories of the zoo in Regent’s Park to preserve first-hand testimonies of the site.

The zoo’s Historic Hive project will build a collection of items to be displayed “to reflect the varied voices and lived experiences of everyone who has played a part in ZSL’s rich history”. 

Sir David Attenborough’s very first natural history documentary, The Pattern of Animals featured animals from London Zoo, which also has long-standing associations with Charles Darwin.

Honey-loving Winnie the Pooh was also based on a black bear named Winnie who befriended author A.A Milne and his son Christopher Robin at the zoo.

Zoological Society of London’s Bicentenary Project Manager Tina Campanella said: “ZSL will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026 – a landmark milestone that is just two years away. 

“Everyone who has had a connection to ZSL – from world-famous biologists and renowned TV broadcasters to visitors to our two conservation zoos – is as much as part of our history as we’re a part of theirs.

“It's only right we celebrate our bicentenary together, so we’re excited to see what people share”.

People who contributed their stories and items will be invited to the exhibition’s launch.

Natasha Wakely, ZSL’s Archivist, added: “History Hive is an incredible opportunity for us to unearth the objects and material culture which bring to life our 200 years of history. 

“We can’t wait to share the submissions alongside our fascinating archive, which plays a critical role in preserving zoological knowledge and championing conservation action for generations to come”. 

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2024-04-29T09:54:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd