I have a theory (I have plenty of zoo theories ) that in this age of near-universal car usage people want to travel "out" to an attraction (be it a zoo or other such attraction) rather than "in" ... Hence the success of Chester and (in the past) Twycross and the failure or difficulties of Belle Vue, Dudley and ... Regent's Park. Appreciate London is something of a special case but they must be mighty grateful for their overseas visitors ...
Does anyone know why the Casson is closed? I’m hoping this isn’t permanent, it’s been like this since my visit in August. I went back yesterday and the Mappins looked pretty barren as well, the zoo was in quite a sorry state with closed/empty exhibits everywhere.
As has been discussed frequently, this is a major problem at London: it is possible to visit (and it’s not inexpensive to do so!) and to feel as if you’re visiting a place that time has forgotten. A number of years ago, a manager at Spain’s Fuengirola Zoo told me that they always remembered that on any given day, any visitor could be coming to the zoo for the first time, so it always had to look immaculate. One might quibble about the size of some of the Fuengirola enclosures, but, as a place to visit, it is a delight. London? Not so much. A whole shift in attitude is required, I think. At the moment, there seems to be indifference towards, or contempt for, the visiting public.
Sadly, I believe that the Casson House needs extensive building work to ensure that animals and visitors are in a safe environment. London Zoo is facing some difficult issues at the moment but hopefully there is a strategy in place which will restore the zoo as a major attraction
Just seen these and thought they might be of interest. even if they do mistake an Asian elephant for Jumbo after previously showing an accurate photo of him. Amazing pics show first London Zoo animals - including a monkey in a jacket
I was so excited when I went to London Zoo in 09' because I got to see where history happened! I got to see where Jumbo used to be as well as well as Jackson the Sumatran Rhino and all the other famous individuals that called this zoo home.
