Make the most of Summer and Visit London Zoo

01 Jul, 2013

By Patricia Nunes Translation by Harriet Batey

READ IN ENGLISH BELOW/ READ IN PORTUGUESE HERE  

For those who want to spend a great day alongside nature and many animals without having to go too far, Culturart advises a visit to London Zoo, also known as Regent’s Zoo due to its location in Regent’s Park, between the City of Westminster and Camden Town. ZSL London Zoo, The Zoological Society of London, is a charitable organisation, also responsible for the Institute of Zoology since 1828, which undertakes scientific research in the areas of conservation of species and their habitats and also look at themes such as Ecological Behaviour and Population, Biodiversity and Macroecology, Evolution and Ecosystems amongst other topics. The ZSL opened its doors to the public in 1847 and today works at conserving and integrating more than 750 different species, which are found in London Zoo. However, the society also undertakes conservation work in more than 50 countries, as qualified professionals who are enraptured by wildlife. Given the growth of the organisation and the grand scale of animal’s needs, in 1931, in Dunstable – Bedfordshire to the north of London, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo was established and is today considered the UK’s best zoo, housing more than 2,500 animals, amongst which you can find elephants and rhinos. But there are also interesting animals at the London headquarters. This year the zoo got two new, beautiful creatures, Jae Jae and Melati, a pair of tigers from Sumatra, Indonesia. The two are settled in well in an area that the zoo has named ‘The Land of the Tiger’, which required great care in creating the ideal habitat for the big cats, and includes a big vegetated pool and large trees for climbing. To get an idea, the zoo’s horticultural team studied the island’s flora and adapted the space so that the pair would feel like they were in their natural habitat and fulfilled their needs and preferences.

Also, in the Department of Reptiles and Amphibians,two young female Galápagos giant tortoises, Polly and Priscilla, came to make company to the trio which was already there, composed by Dolores, Dolly and Duke. Besides, the department also underwent a renovation in the amphibians’ area, developing research projects in conservation of the species that are critically endangered. With technology, creativity and commitment with the cause, the London ZOO offers to the public a lot of information, besides monitoring of the species, it’s evolution, it’s prevention and also researches, including one about the death of caecilians, caused by the Chytricliomycosis disease – “First time diagnosed in the story of this species” says Benjamin Tapley, team leader. About this work and more, even to accompany such work and much more, soon it must to return to ITV the broadcasting of the new season of THE ZOO. Aside from this, the zoo also has different attractions with daily schedules such as the territory of the tiger experience, the penguin show, the bird show, interation with seahorses and much more. Also it is worth checking out ‘Late Zoo’, exclusively for over 18s and scheduled from the 7th June until 26th July, every Friday night from 6pm until 10pm. During this time, the zoo will host special events with music, shows, typical foods and debates on scientific topics and sustainability. The Insitute of Zoology, afiliated with University College London, the Royal College of Vetinary and others. Offers short courses, post-graduate studies, masters and doctoral degrees, as well as supporting scientific projects and research in different areas, all involved in some way with environmental conservation and the life of animals. The ZSL also offers courses in the areas of culture and art, looking at understanding of wildlife via architecture, ceramics, arts, cartoons.

‘With so many attractions, events and opportunities, visit the Zoo’s website and also participate in our promotion of  ‘2 ticketsfor London Zoo ‘. To participate please send your name, phone number and answer the question ‘Which Brazilian animals can you find in London Zoo?’ to info@culturart.co.uk. The names of the two winners will be on our facebook and twitter fanpages and also on our website on the 25th of July. GOOD LUCK!’

ZSL London ZOO Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY Tel: 020 7722 3333 Fax: 020 7586 5743 Opening Hours: Every day, except Christmas Day 01/03 to 19/06/2013 – from 10am to 5.30pm 20/06 to 08/10/2013 – from 10am to 6pm Tickets: http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/visit/entry-costs,118,AR.html

ZSL Whipsnade ZOO Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 2LF Tel: 01582 872171 Fax: 01582 872649 Opening Hours: Every day, except Christmas Day Until September 2013 – from 10am to 6pm Tickets:http://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/planning-your-visit/entry-charges,158,AR.html