ZSL London Zoo London Zoo Crisis of early 1990s

[Tim May]

Other than the revised first edition, are there still plans to release a successor to “London Zoo from old photographs...” that covers post 1914? There was talk many years ago (based I believe on the success of the first edition) but it’s been very quiet since!

The author is still working on a successor to "London Zoo From Old Photographs 1852 - 1914" . The intention is for the new volume to cover the period 1914 - 1960.

 

[Zorro]

I have often wondered that too. I can't think of many countries that have such a 'thin' collection among their own major zoos nowadays. But I guess its just taken in the spirit of tourism and they aren't likely to return if they are tourists anyway.

As someone who has visited London zoo since the 60s its more than disappointing to see the decline of this once famous zoo to the stage it has reached today. I have followed its course over the years of seeing less species and uninspiring exhibits and in my humble view this lays at the feet on the management. I almost get the impression as long as the London zoo chiefs are getting well paid then everything is ok for now attitude will prevail. I wait with interest to see how this pans out in the future!

 

[Pertinax]

As someone who has visited London zoo since the 60s its more than disappointing to see the decline of this once famous zoo to the stage it has reached today. I have followed its course over the years of seeing less species and uninspiring exhibits and in my humble view this lays at the feet on the management. I almost get the impression as long as the London zoo chiefs are getting well paid then everything is ok for now attitude will prevail. I wait with interest to see how this pans out in the future!

I fisrt visited in the 1950's. It was a great place in those days. My last visit was on a depressing wet winter's day a couple of years ago. There was little comparison. Once we are released from this covid virus I sadly can't see myself visiting again anymore.

 

[Zorro]

I fisrt visited in the 1950's. It was a great place in those days. My last visit was on a depressing wet winter's day a couple of years ago. There was little comparison. Once we are released from this covid virus I sadly can't see myself visiting again anymore.

Glad to see theres someone here older than myself
Its really sad to see this zoo that was known world wide become what it has now become

 

[Pertinax]

Glad to see theres someone here older than myself
Its really sad to see this zoo that was known world wide become what it has now become

Some people, particularly those who never saw it in its heyday, obviously would see this as a negative statement, but it is repeated on here by so many people there is no doubt it is (sadly) the truth.

 

[Zorro]

Some people, particularly those who never saw it in its heyday, obviously would see this as a negative statement, but it is repeated on here by so many people there is no doubt it is (sadly) the truth.

I agree we have both seen the zoos decline over a long period of time.
The long term facts are just facts, If some have not seen the history other than first hand I guess some will not know how much of a change there has been and not for the better!

 

[TeaLovingDave]

@Maz Kam Don't know if this helps but a years membership for an adult in 1999 started at £29.00. I would guess that a day ticket was around £9.00

By comparison, adult membership is now £100 (£80 if paid by Direct Debit) and an adult day ticket is £34.54.......

 

[Ned]

By comparison, adult membership is now £100 (£80 if paid by Direct Debit) and an adult day ticket is £34.54.......

I think I'm right in saying that a London Zoo membership in 1999 would have only got you free entry to London Zoo where as today's membership gets you in to London and Whipsnade.

 

[FBBird]

The author is still working on a successor to "London Zoo From Old Photographs 1852 - 1914" . The intention is for the new volume to cover the period 1914 - 1960.

Wow. I’ll look forward to that