WWT London or ZLS London?

[Zhao yun]

Hi guys, sorry to disturb you . I'm heading to the UK for 4 days and I have a day po pick where to go. My local zoo does not have plenty of Madagascarn species or waterfowl, but which one is better overall? Thanks for answering.

 

[Kalaw]

Hi guys, sorry to disturb you . I'm heading to the UK for 4 days and I have a day po pick where to go. My local zoo does not have plenty of Madagascarn species or waterfowl, but which one is better overall? Thanks for answering.

Definitely ZSL. WWT is fairly good for birdwatching with a large marsh in the centre and some good hides with which you can observe them, but in terms of its captive collection, there really isn’t much there, and most birds are pinioned with no major aviaries in the entire collection.

On the other hand, ZSL London Zoo is probably one of the best zoos in the country, with some historic buildings that are very important (Mappins, Tecton Roundhouse) or beautiful (former Reptile House), some very rare species that are scarcely kept in captivity (Scarlet-chested and Splendid Sunbirds, Collared Trogons, Jagan Green Magpies, Lake Oku Clawed Frog, Telfair’s Skink) and some very high quality exhibits (best invertebrate house in Europe, best bird house in the UK and excellent enclosures for penguins, lions, tigers and gorillas). In terms of Madagascarn species, there are Aye-aye, Narrow-striped Boky, Giant Jumping Rat, Lac Aloatra Gentle Lemur, Grey Mouse Lemur and Ring-tailed Lemur, all in the Clore Pavilion. Admittedly not too many waterfowl, however.

All in all, ZSL is a much better zoo, and while it would be great to visit both, if you can only choose one, I would chose that any day. However, if you are more interested in wildlife and birdwatching, then WWT may be of more interest.

 

[Dassie rat]

London Zoo also has a Madagascar crested ibis