London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo.[5] It was opened in London on April 27, 1828,[6] and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually opened to the public in 1847.[5] Today it houses a collection of 756 species of animals, with 17,480 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.[7] The zoo is sometimes called Regent's Zoo.
It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826),[5] and is situated at the northern edge of Regent's Park, on the boundary line between the City of Westminster and the borough of Camden (the Regent's Canal runs through it).[8] The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved.[9][10] As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853),[11] first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).
ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows' and 'Friends' memberships, entrance fees and sponsorship to generate income.[12][13]
