London Zoo at ZSL Conservation Zoo Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
When I was offered the chance to review London Zoo and its new reptiles and amphibian’s habitat I jumped at the opportunity. Not least it was our youngest grandson’s birthday, so what better day to go to the Zoo than your 3rd Birthday.
We travelled from Luton and with little traffic arrived at London Zoo, a ZSL Conservation Zoo, within the hour by car. There was plenty of parking available when we arrived at 10.30am, however the area was packed when we left late afternoon so I would advise early arrival. Entrance was speedy and straight forward, and I have to say the most pleasant staff all over the site. I have never felt so welcomed at any attraction. Well done London Zoo!
It was our first ever visit, and what a treat it was. On entry we picked up the zoo map, and my daughter downloaded the app. They were helpful in planning what route we took around the zoo, but I have to say there was plenty of visible signage. Everywhere is so clean and well maintained, it’s very clear this is a well looked after zoo, and not just in terms of surroundings but the animals too.
We made a beeline for the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, the lovely lady on the door suggested we leave the buggy outside, and she was right, it was easier to navigate without it. It’s a great informative well laid out habitat for a variety of different creatures. All the tanks had easy to read information displayed by the side, which helped us explain to our little one what we were looking at and for! He was fascinated by the snakes especially, although unlike when he saw the tigers, he didn’t want one for home! There is nothing quite like looking at a variety of species and watching the wonderment on children’s faces. He was transfixed by the crocodiles’ eyes staring at him. He especially liked the ants carrying their haul on entry. It is funny and quite often he would pull faces and say he was scared, but the longer he looked the more interested he became. I think his favourite in this area was the turtle swimming around. What we liked about all areas like this was how close the children could get, which really grabbed his attention.
His favourite animals were the giraffes, I was staggered to read they are a vulnerable species. Well I say his favourite, maybe closely followed by the tigers, gorillas, and monkeys!! We all loved the penguins and it was great to be able to see them not just on the beach, but swimming and playing in the water. There really is so much to see and do, I think if his little legs would have carried him he would have gone round and round and round.
All in all, we will definitely visit again. There is so much to see and do, we did our best and managed some 12,000 steps. We did purchase some hotdogs, which were great, and used the picnic/park area as a quick breather. It was a lovely area for children although a little busy due to it being school holidays.
Thank you London Zoo, we hope we will be back very very soon.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £31 per Adult/£21.70 age 3 years plus booked online.
London Zoo Regents Park London NW1 4RY www.zsllondonzoo.seetickets.com