ZooTown - opening 2025

Our former Reptile House is getting a new lease of life 

Opening next year, the historic building will be transformed into an immersive role play experience for curious kids aged 3-8.

Stepping into the shoes of zookeepers, conservationists, scientists, vets, posties, presenters and more, children will have the opportunity to test out the many roles it takes to make the zooniverse go round and protect wildlife. 

In ZooTown kids will run the show. Imaginations at the ready, they’ll be flying around the world to track animals in the Field Camp, carry out vital health checks in the Vet Hospital, deliver the zoo mail, get their hands dirty in the Keeper Kitchen… and lots more.

Chief Operating Officer Kathryn England explains: “The decision to transform the building into this exciting play space was driven by multiple factors. The building had come to the end of its useful life as a place for animals, so needed a future that didn’t include housing any of our animals here. We were also responding to audience insight coming in through our regular visitor surveys, that some of our visitors were not having fun on their day out – especially those with younger children. 

“We are always driving to create learning opportunities for people of all ages, so a role play space that would be fun for children while offering the chance to learn new skills felt like a great fit. We’ll be able to show children – and their grown-ups – just how many ways there are to impact conservation by introducing them to the range of roles that contribute to running ZooTown – a role play version of ZSL.”

Whether it’s in the Construction Zone or the Science Lab, each area in ZooTown will unlock a world of possibilities for kids as they play their way through the adventure and get hands-on with a whole host of costumes, toys and interactives. 

Work is already underway...