Zoos and Aquariums in London

England’s capital city is rich in history and culture. Everybody knows that. But somewhere well down the list of London attractions, for adults and children alike, you will find their zoological gardens and aquaria. Don’t forget which side of the road to drive on, and watch out for famous bands crossing the road as you pass by Abbey Road on your way to these popular attractions:

Established over 180 years ago, the ZSL London Zoo is located within the verdant environs of Regent’s Park. This zoo is home to more than 750 species of animal. Adrift in refined society, like that of London, sometimes a fellow wants to get back to pre-evolutionary basics, and beat his chest for a while. Such a traveler will fit right into the Gorilla Kingdom, home to a colony of Western Lowlands. Don’t go too native, however. Even the Western Lowland gorillas of Britain are polite enough to live alongside the much smaller Colubus monkeys.

After such a virile and hairy experience, perhaps something lighter than air will tempt you. The Butterfly Paradise surrounds visitors with gorgeous free flying butterflies and moths that hail from Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. Where did all these butterflies come from? You can find your answer in the Pupae Holding Room, a fascinating education on the journey from caterpillar to butterfly.

For more adventures with creatures of the air, wing your way to the Blackburn Pavilion, home to the tropical bird exhibit. After all those elusive birds and butterflies, it’s time to visit the Giants of the Galapagos enclosure. Gargantuan tortoises won’t be hard to draw a bead on, unless you blink for more than an hour per. To round out a day with creatures of the land and air, take a look at the B.U.G.S. enclosure and the Rainforest Wild, which recreates the ambiance of a rain forest and features species like monkeys, sloth, armadillo and tamandua.

The ZSL London Zoo boasts an Aquarium as well. A feature of the zoo since 1853, the aquarium features exotic and weird fish and stunning coral reefs. Located at the northern end of Regent’s Park, the zoo is accessible by Tube on the Bakerloo line or via the Camden Town station on the Northern Line.

The Sea Life London Aquarium offers one of Europe’s largest collections of marine life. 500 species of sea creatures great and small envelop three stories of dry space for the land mammals in your party to explore. Aside from the glass tunnel walkway – always a treat -- the Sea Life London also hosts diving displays, interactive feeding opportunities and touch pools. Clown fishes, sea horses, and octopi demonstrate the wide variety of sea life, and 40 sharks representing 12 different species remind travelers exactly where they reside on the food chain.

The aquarium is easily accessible by a number of London’s public bus routes and a variety of London Underground lines that serve Westminster and Waterloo subway stations.

If you have young ones along, and sharks assure a sleepless night for all, make your way over to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. Located within the stunning Battersea Park in South London, this zoo offers an exciting animal experience for children and adults alike. Who doesn’t like animal encounters, a play area and a relaxing café? Presumably, not all at the same time. Much betters suited to petting zoos than lions and tigers, the giant rabbits, meerkats, miniature Shetland ponies, and Kune Kune pigs will radically increase the odds of you leaving with exactly as many children as you arrived with. The Battersea Park Zoo is easily accessible via the London Underground on the District and Circle lines.

These zoos and aquaria are far from your only chance to enjoy wildlife in London – and I’m not talking about the club scene. Indeed, there are even more zoos and wildlife exhibits. This is but a selection. But for the zoophile in each of us, there is little reason to stray further. Unless you know of a nearby jungle to really appreciate them in their natural habitat, or can sprout some gills and make the North Atlantic your own personal aquarium.