London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, is a world-renowned wildlife conservation and education center that attracts millions of visitors each year. January, being the coldest month in London, may not seem like the ideal time to visit a zoo, but London Zoo offers a variety of indoor exhibits and sheltered spaces that make it an enjoyable experience regardless of the weather.
Cost and Timings of London Zoo in January
The cost of admission to London Zoo varies depending on the age of the visitor, with discounts available for children, seniors, and families. As of January 2024, the prices are as follows:
| Visitor Type | Admission Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16-64 years) | £32.50 |
| Child (3-15 years) | £23.50 |
| Senior (65+ years) | £27.50 |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | £95.00 |
The zoo is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is recommended to arrive early to make the most of your visit.
Indoor Exhibits at London Zoo in January
Rainforest Life is a must-visit indoor exhibit that transports you to the tropical heat of a rainforest, where you can come face-to-face with amazing species such as sloths and tamanduas. The Night Zone, located downstairs, allows you to observe the nocturnal animals that inhabit the rainforest after dark.
The Blackburn Pavilion is a walk-through bird exhibit that features exotic birds, many of which are free flying, in a Mediterranean-inspired exhibit.
Butterfly Paradise is a walk-through experience that protects you and the butterflies from the wet weather. This exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of butterflies and highlights the importance of their role in the ecosystem.
Tiny Giants is an exhibit that shines a spotlight on the planet’s smallest superheroes, including underwater corals and aquatic wildlife, leafcutter ants, spiders, and beetles. This exhibit is home to In With The Spiders, the UK’s first ever walk-through spider exhibit.
The Giants of the Galápagos habitat allows you to follow Darwin’s footsteps and travel to the Galápagos Islands. This indoor exhibit is kept at a tropical 27 degrees and is home to Dolly, Polly, and Priscilla, the zoo’s whopping Galápagos tortoises.
The Attenborough Komodo Dragon House is home to Khaleesi, a formidable predator with razor-sharp teeth and toxic saliva that can fell a buffalo.
Sheltered Spaces at London Zoo in January
Many of the outdoor exhibits at London Zoo feature sheltered spaces where you can see the animals out of the rain. These include the train station at Land of the Lions, the two large viewing areas at Tiger Territory, and the family of western lowland gorillas’ jungle gym at Gorilla Kingdom.
In with the Lemurs has a large indoor area for both humans and lemurs alike, and the otters den features a window where you can often see the oriental short-clawed otters cuddled up together, rain or shine.
In Into Africa, you can see inside the giraffe house and also see inside the indoor area of the pygmy hippo, Thugs and Amara.
Food and Drink at London Zoo in January
The Terrace restaurant offers a selection of food from across the world and cake displays full of yummy treats made by the onsite pastry team. It is a great place to warm up with a hot drink and a bite to eat.
Real-Life Incidents and Statistics at London Zoo in January
While many animals at London Zoo are less active during the winter months, there are still plenty of opportunities to see them. For example, the penguins love the rain, and some of the animals, such as the Galápagos tortoises, are more active in the cooler weather.
In 2019, London Zoo welcomed over 1.2 million visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
References
– https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/more-info/london-zoos-wet-weather-guide
– https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k7427783-London_zoo_in_winter_months_are_the_animals_in_hidding-London_England.html
– https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/blog/things-do-london-in-winter
– https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4963695/london-zoo-in-winter-months-are-the-animals-in-hidding
– https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lifestyle/whats-on/days-out-london-zoo-in-winter/