London Zoo

London Zoo, also known as ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Gardens is the world's oldest scientific zoo.[7] It was opened in London on 27 April 1828,[8] and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. In 1831 or 1832, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were transferred to the zoo's collection. It was opened to the public in 1847.[7] Today, it houses a collection of 673 species of animals, with 19,289 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.[9] The zoo is sometimes called Regent's Zoo. It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826),[7] 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).[10] 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.[11][12] As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first reptile house (1849), first public aquarium (1853),[13] 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.[14][15]