London Zoo Aviary, London
Photo: Bluemoose, GNU Free Documentation License
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It was opened in London on 27 April, 1828. At that time, it was intended for scientific study. However, it eventually opened its doors to the public in 1847. Today it houses a collection of more than 651 species of animals.
London Zoo is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London, established two years earlier than the zoo, in 1826. It is located at the northern edge of Regent's Park. The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Larger animals such as elephants and rhinoceros are house in the bigger zoo.
ZSL London Zoo was the first to open a Reptile House, in 1849, the first public Aquarium in 1853, the first insect house in 1881, and the first children's zoo in 1938. It is presently undergoing a renovation project (in 2007) to present the animals in a more realistic habitat.
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