London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo, is home to over 19,000 animals across 673 species, offering a captivating and educational experience for visitors. From majestic mammals to fascinating invertebrates, the zoo’s exhibits showcase the wonders of the natural world. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the diverse range of exhibits that make London Zoo a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts.
Mammal Exhibits at London Zoo
London Zoo’s mammal collection boasts 70 species, with a total of 561 individuals. Some of the standout exhibits include:
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Penguin Beach: This exhibit houses Humboldt penguins and features the largest penguin pool in an English zoo, allowing visitors to observe these charismatic seabirds up close.
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Land of the Lions: This 2,500 square meter enclosure replicates an Indian town on the edge of the Gir Forest National Park, showcasing Asiatic lions and other animals such as Hanuman langurs, small Indian mongooses, and Rüppell’s vultures.
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Tiger Territory: Designed by architect Michael Kozdon, this Sumatran tiger enclosure features authentic Indonesian plant life and a net canopy of 3mm steel cable. The zoo currently owns four tigers, including a male named Asim, a female named Gaysha, and their two cubs, Zac and Crispin.
Bird Exhibits at London Zoo
The zoo’s bird collection comprises 99 species, with a total of 671 individuals. Highlights include:
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Monkey Valley: This walkthrough primatarium is home to a troop of eastern black and white colobus monkeys, replacing the Snowdon Aviary that previously housed shorebirds such as gulls and ibis.
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Blackburn Pavilion: This rainforest-themed tropical bird aviary is home to a variety of vibrant and colorful tropical bird species.
Reptile Exhibits at London Zoo
London Zoo’s reptile collection includes 49 species, with a total of 167 individuals. One of the notable exhibits is:
- The Attenborough Komodo Dragon House: This enclosure, opened by Sir David Attenborough, is designed to resemble the dragon’s natural habitat of a dry river bed, with sounds of Indonesian birds played into the enclosure.
Amphibian and Fish Exhibits at London Zoo
The zoo’s amphibian collection consists of 20 species, with a total of 726 individuals, while the fish collection includes 207 species, with a total of 5,818 individuals.
Invertebrate Exhibits at London Zoo
London Zoo’s invertebrate collection is equally impressive, with 228 species and a total of 11,346 individuals. One of the notable exhibits is:
- Tiny Giants: This exhibit, formerly called B.U.G.S., features over 160 species of invertebrates and fish, including western honey bees, leafcutter ants, emperor scorpions, golden orb weavers, and many more.
In addition to the diverse animal exhibits, London Zoo offers a range of experiences, such as Zoo Nights, London Zoo Membership, and Animal Experiences, providing unique opportunities for visitors to engage with wildlife and support conservation efforts.
References:
– Wikipedia – London Zoo
– London Zoo Official Website
– London Zoo Habitats