The Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

Introducing international wildlife to new audiences in London

ZSL London Zoo’s iconic Snowdon Aviary is getting a transformative face lift. The new space will allow visitors to get closer than ever before to its troop of amazing colobus monkeys. It will provide a wonderful environment to support the primates, as well as a brand-new community learning space.

Alongside the redevelopment, ZSL will run a programme of new activities, co-designed with underrepresented groups who don’t usually visit the Zoo – particularly those experiencing disadvantage or people with special educational needs or disabilities. A new series of workshops and activities will introduce new audiences to the natural world and the conservation work made possible by ZSL.

Originally built in the 60s, the Snowdon Aviary was the UK’s first-ever walkthrough aviary.
The renovated education space and programmes aim to reach over 107,000 people over 5 years.
ZSL will provide 100,000 free or subsidised tickets for marginalised groups, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage or disability.

Ambitious plans

Conceived by Lord Snowdon and realised by Cedric Price and the engineer Frank Newby, the Grade II* Snowdon Aviary was built between 1962 and 1964. Extensive renovations will repair the aviary and transform it into a walkthrough primate exhibit, creating an amazing new environment for animals, visitors and keepers alike. Colobus monkeys will travel into the new area via two aerial tunnels, which were inspired by the ‘colobridges’ used in Africa to help wild monkeys cross the road safely.

The project will also create a community and education space with a flexible design, allowing it to be easily turned into a workshop and activities space, where visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats.

“London Zoo has always been a favourite place for our family,” says Soma, Kusuma Trust’s Executive Trustee. “Informal education is one of our priority funding areas. We feel it’s extremely worthwhile to educate children to the wonders of the natural world, which is why we’re supporting this project. It will be wonderful to see how the zoo uses this environment for life changing education.”

We have awarded a grant of £100,000 towards thecommunity and education hub. Our grantwill be used alongside a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and ZSL’s own fundraising.

“We are delighted to have the Kusuma Trust’s support. This important project will put ZSL London Zoo at the heart of our community by offering a range inspirational educational activities for everyone to enjoy and making sure our zoo is fully accessible to all.”

James Wren, Fundraising Director, Zoological Society of London