ZSL London Zoo

The nest position on the list of the oldest zoos in the world is the London Zoo, also known as ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Gardens. It was first meant to be used as a collection for scientific study when it was first inaugurated in London on April 27, 1828. The animals from the Tower of London menagerie were moved to the zoo's collection around 1831 or 1832. Public access was granted in 1847. It now houses a collection of 673 animal species, totaling 19,289 individuals, making it one of the UK's largest collections. Sometimes the zoo is referred to as Regent's Zoo.

It is located at the northern extremity of Regent's Park, on the border between the City of Westminster and the borough of Camden (the Regent's Canal flows through it), and is operated by the Zoological Society of London (founded in 1826). The larger species, like elephants and rhinos, have been relocated to the Society's larger location at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. ZSL London Zoo opened the first reptile house (1849), first public aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881), and the first kids' zoo in addition to being the first scientific zoo (1938).

Year Established: April 27, 1828
Location: Regent’s Park, London, England