Our Lubetkin Penguin pool at London Zoo is iconic. The sweeping spiral ramps kick-started a new era for British architecture, and inspired an enduring love of penguins in the British public.

Penguins at Lubetkin penguin pool at London Zoo designed by Berthold Lubetkin

Lubetkin penguin pool

We were home to the world’s first public aquarium. We popularised the name “Aquarium” and pioneered the first environments to provide the correct living conditions for salt-water animals.

The London Zoo aquarium photographed in July 1981

The Aquarium

War broke out on 3rd September 1939. At 11.00am London Zoo was closed by order of the Government, as were all other public places where people gathered in large numbers.

The Zoo during World War Two

The Snowdon Aviary made history as Britain’s first walk-through aviary, designed to enclose as much open space as possible, stretching up to 24m tall. 

Snowdon Aviary 

Designed for gorillas by Berthold Lubetkin, the building was home to our first gorillas Mok and Moina. 

A portrait of the gorilla 'Meng'. London Zoo, June 1939.

Round house

The iconic animals in our history which brought people closer to nature and inspired generations of conservationists. 

Famous Animals of London Zoo

At the time of their creation in 1913, they represented an innovative step to provide more naturalistic settings for animals at the Zoo. Over the years, the terraces have been home to goats, bears, penguins, ibex and snow leopards 

Time Traveller's Guide to London Zoo

Explore Zoo history