London Zoo is located in the center of the city in the Regent’s Park and is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. Established in 1828, it has a large variety of animals and allows people to become familiar with wildlife and its protection. In this article, I will highlight five of the most interesting animals which are found in London Zoo.
1. Sumatran Tiger
An Uncommon and Grand Carnivore
Among all the inhabitants of the zoo, the Sumatran tiger is one of the most interesting animals. The Sumatran tigers are found only in the Indonesian island of Sumatra and are listed as critically endangered with only 400 of them surviving in the wild. London Zoo is home to these majestic and solitary creatures and you can watch them move about their large enclosure which has been created to mimic their natural environment. The efforts that are being made by the zoo to conserve the tiger are very important in the struggle to ensure that this magnificent animal is not wiped out from the face of the earth.
2. Western Lowland Gorilla
The Gentle Giants of the Jungle
This is where you will be taken to the Gorilla Kingdom to meet the Western Lowland Gorillas. These animals are popular for their strength, intelligence, and social systems that are well developed. You can watch them at London Zoo and also understand some of the problems they undergo in the natural environment such as deforestation and hunting. This is a very important function of the zoo since it helps to inform the public of the importance of the conservation of gorillas and their habitats.
3. Humboldt Penguin
Playful Swimmers of the Zoo
The hunting technique of Humboldt penguins is quite interesting to watch as they dive and swim in a very graceful manner. These South American natives are called after the cold Humboldt Current which they inhabit. Penguin Beach at London Zoo mimics their habitat with a big pool and beach like setting. Tourists are able to watch the feeding of the penguins and also get some information about the breeding of the penguins in the zoo which is very important in the conservation of this endangered species.
4. Asiatic Lion
The Pride of the Zoo
The Asiatic lions that were once distributed in the whole of Asia are now found only in the Gir forests of India. Currently, London Zoo has a pride of these lions which are listed as critically endangered hence a lucky chance to have a view of the animals. The Land of the Lions exhibit gives the visitors an idea on how the lions live and the need to preserve the remaining natural habitats of lions.
5. Galápagos Giant Tortoise
The Seven Natural Wonders of the Animal World
Every visitor to the London Zoo must pay a visit to the Galápagos giant tortoises. These prehistoric creatures that inhabit the Galápagos Islands are capable of living more than a century and reaching the weight of 417 kg (919 lbs). When visiting the zoo, one can see how they move slowly and can get to know their features that have made them survive for hundreds of years. This is the reason why the breeding program in the zoo is very vital in the continuation of existence of this particular animal.
Conclusion
Visiting London Zoo is a good chance to meet some of the most interesting inhabitants of their planet. Starting from the magnificent Sumatran tiger to the very old Galápagos tortoise, all these animals have their important role to perform in the zoo’s goal of raising awareness and preserving wildlife. A trip to London Zoo is not just a fun; it is an opportunity to help in the conservation of these wonderful animals for the next generations.
