Zoological Society of London

Zoological Society of London, scientific society set up in 1826 for the advancement of zoology, now comprising five divisions, including London Zoo in Regent’s Park, which opened in 1828, and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire (1931). The Zoological Society of London is a charity, incorporated by Royal Charter.

Founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles with specimens brought back from his travels, the society also received much of the collection amassed by Charles Darwin after his return in 1836 from the voyage of HMS Beagle. Raffles did not live to see the opening of the zoological gardens in Regent’s Park, nor the establishment of the library, now one of the major zoological libraries in the world.

The purpose of the Zoological Society today is “to promote the worldwide conservation of animal species and their habitats by stimulating public awareness and concern through the presentation of living collections, by breeding endangered species, by relevant research, and by direct action in the field.” The presentation of living collections and the breeding program are undertaken by London and Whipsnade zoos, while the Institute of Zoology, formed in 1977, cooperates closely with the zoos and undertakes a wide spectrum of research from the veterinary to the ecological. The Conservation and Consultancy Division concentrates on Africa and the Middle East, offering direct support to threatened species such as the elephant and rhinoceros, with further backup and research. The society also promotes the spread of knowledge by publishing research, holding discussion meetings, and maintaining a library service.