Taking time out of our busy lives to relax and unwind can be difficult, but taking care of ourselves is something we should all be prioritising.
Visiting the Zoo can be a great way to boost not only your mental but also physical wellbeing. Scientific studies have found that spending time in nature can help reduce blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and what better place to take some relaxing time out surrounded by nature than at London or Whipsnade Zoo?
A ZSL Zoo membership opens up a world of wonderful wildlife along with lots of wellbeing benefits, and that's not us being biased! Visitors are always telling us how much better they feel after their trip to the Zoo - you can see some of their feedback below, and we've even got several members how have been renewing their ZSL membership for decades!
Whether you come for a special one off visit or make the Zoo a regular outing, here are just some of the ways it can help boost your wellbeing...
A chance to feel closer to nature
There is something undeniably soothing about being surrounded by nature. Visiting the Zoo offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of every day life and connect with a range of animals and their habitats. Getting close to and interacting with animals is proven to reduce stress levels and giving yourself a change of scenery and engaging your sense in the many different sights, sounds and smells of the Zoo is the perfect way to blow away those mental cobwebs.
Immersive Habitats at London Zoo
As a conservation Zoo, we work hard to make sure our habitats are as well suited to our animals as possible - this means we have created some amazing, immersive habitats that will have you feeling like you've been transported across the globe to different climates and continents.
Stress relieving green spaces
Spending time outside in the fresh air and in green open spaces is something that everyone should be trying to do but it's not always easy, especially if you live in busy city. London is a vibrant and bustling city full of iconic buildings and landmarks but it’s also home to some amazing green spaces, one of which is London Zoo.
Situated in the ground of Regents Park, London Zoo is home to over 10,000 amazing animals in an array of specially created habitats. From mountain forest landscapes with waterfall and lagoon for our Colobus monkeys or a tropical oasis for our butterflies, the walk-through habitats around the zoo will have you forgetting you're in the middle of a big city.
“I love that you can stay at least for 5-6 hours and feel like disconnecting from your daily life. It is a beautiful and peaceful place in the busy and chaotic London.” (Visitor, London Zoo, February)
“I loved the many places we could sit and relax and feel close to nature” (Visitor, London, April)
Quality time with family and friends
Having a zoo membership gives you unlimited access to both London and Whipsnade Zoo, meaning you've got plenty of opportunities to have some fun days out with friends and family. Taking a trip to the zoo is the perfect way to spend some quality time together; exploring the exhibits and learning about amazing animals is fun for everyone regardless of age.
We even have something to suit the youngest members of your family! Each Wednesday during term time we run interactive sensory story times at the Tiny Giants exhibit. You'll go on a journey through the ocean surrounded by fish and corals and explore the sights, sounds and textures of a magical under water world.
Learn more about Baby Sensory Stories
“I visited with my six year-old and my father and we all agreed, it was the best experience we have had as a family day out. We absolutely loved seeing the animals in such beautiful settings. We felt like we were actually visiting the countries of their natural habitat and seeing them in the wild. Every exhibit and setting was so unique. The grounds were stunning - it was like visiting a zoo and botanical garden at the same time. It was so nice to see the animals in such natural and spacious settings.” (Visitor, London, October)
Visiting to celebrate a special occasion?
If you're visiting the Zoo as part of a special celebration why not make it even more memorable by booking one of our interactive zoo experiences?
The perfect gift for loved ones
Why not share the wellbeing and wonder with friends and family by treating them to a gift membership?
Effortless exercise
We all know how important exercise is for wellbeing but it's not always the most fun thing to do. Luckily a trip to the Zoo will have you exercising without even realising it! Ditch the treadmill at the gym and take advantage of the fact that your membership gives you access to London Zoo, that covers an impressive 36 acres of Regents Park, and Whipsnade Zoo, which is set on 600 acres making it the largest zoo in the UK!
You'll have no problem getting your steps in while exploring the exhibits, taking in the scenery or chasing after curious children.
Doing your bit for wildlife
Having a zoo membership not only benefits you by giving you unlimited free visits to London and Whipsnade Zoo year round, it also helps protect wildlife too.
When you become a member you are supporting ZSL to continue in it's important global wildlife conservation work to create a world where wildlife thrives.
Become a Zoo member and get unlimited entry to both London and Whipsnade Zoos for unforgettable days out all year round!
