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Letters and papers relating to the position of President at Zoological Society of London

Non-ZSL collections with have been donated to ZSL Archive

Papers relating to the financial activities of ZSL

Letters and papers relating to the position of Secretary at ZSL. In the past this position was responsible for the overall running of the Zoo(s), but in later years it has become an honorary position. The letters in particular show a breadth of correspondence between the society and people and organisations around the world.

Council is the governing body of the Zoological Society of London. It is made up of three elected Officers - the President, Secretary and Treasurer – and twelve elected members. Council members are the Trustees

ZSL had an in-house architecture department for many years, which was responsible for building of many of the iconic buildings still extant onsite today.

London Zoo opened in April 1828 as the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London, in the first instance only to fellows of the society. It opened to the general public in 1847, in an effort to boost funds for the Zoo.

Books filled in daily, listing the arrivals and departures, births and deaths of animals at London Zoo and Whipsnade. Other details mentioned in some of the books are numbers of visitors and money taken, particular visitors, keepers absent, unwell animals, building works, temperatures in the animal houses, weather. Also referred to as 'day books'.

Reports both internal and externally published by the society.

Whilst we do not use the 'Royal' prefix in our official title, ZSL received its first royal charter in 1829, from King George IV. We have had the patronage of the English monarchy since then, with Queen Elizabeth II being our current Royal patron.

Previous and current royal charters of ZSL, and items relating to revisions of said Charters and Bylaw.