The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity.

ZSL engages with millions of people through two zoos, ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, each year.

ZSL are actively involved in conservation efforts and, through world-renowned research centre, the Institute of Zoology, we work at the cutting edge of conservation science.

ZSL’s science and conservation staff have gathered together some exciting resources and activities as part of this year's online Science Festival. 

The Secret Life of Hedgehogs | Zone 1: the world around us

Download this fun activity sheet and find out more about the UK’s prickliest wild animal, the hedgehog.

How to Build a Bug Hotel | Zone 1: the world around us

Get creative and help wildlife in your own garden or local green space.

Find out how to make a bug hotel and much more below.

The amazing life cycle of the European eel | Zone 1: the world around us 

Discover the incredible life cycle of the European Eel, one of the many animals that calls the Thames home, with this fun animation. 

Tricky Trawling game | Zone 2: broadening your horizons

Fishing is a very important industry in Greenland, so ensuring long term sustainability is essential for both their economy and environment.

ZSL researchers have been studying the benthic (seafloor) habitats of the continental shelf of West Greenland to examine the impact of the shrimp trawl fishery. 

Put your fishing skills to the test - play Tricky Trawling! 

This fun and informative online game teaches players about Greenland’s seafloor animals, the impacts of trawling and sustainable fishery.

What lives at the bottom of the deep Greenland sea? | Zone 3: scientists at work

Meet Research Fellow Dr Chris Yesson and hear all about his work - featuring carnivorous sponges, iceberg collisions and the oldest vertebrate in the world!

Why champion the less loved creatures? | Zone 3: scientists at work

Research Fellow Dr. Monika Böhm, lover of the under-appreciated species explains just how you work out how endangered a species is, and why freshwater creatures need a lot of conservation attention.

From field work to animal farts... | Zone 3: scientists at work

Post Doctoral Researcher and popular science author Dr. Dani Rabaiotti, expert on all things African wild dog (and also animal farts), discusses her career from writing an autobiography at the age of ten to a New York Time Bestseller in 2017!

Do sharks use oyster cards? | Zone 3: scientists at work

Research Fellow Dr. David Jacoby discusses sharks and the technology used to explore the behaviours of these toothy fish. Also, listen to David's great advice on why to nurture your skills alongside your passion.

How can satellites help save animals? | Zone 3: scientists at work

Senior Research Fellow Dr Nathalie Pettorelli explains how satellites can help with conservation, and why she works to amplify female voices in science. Watch for tips on how to find your place in science and to hear how conservation took Nathalie to NASA!

Find out more

Instant Wild: Thames Estuary

Help ZSL conservation scientists to understand how seals use a popular haul-out site (where seals temporarily leave the water and come ashore) in the Thames Estuary, by taking part in Instant Wild - a webpage and app that mobilises people power to ID the images as they come in from the field (or estuary in this case!)

Wild Science! podcast

Delve into topical issues in zoology, conservation and the environment, from saving species and protecting the planet, to finding out about the animals living across the globe, including in London’s own river Thames.

Learn more about the science behind the conservation work being done by ZSL and others in the Wild Science! podcast from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.

Wildlife careers

Read more online about the roles of keepers, vets and conservationists at ZSL.

If you have any questions about the ZSL's activities or you would like to know more, you can contact the ZSL by email.

Find out more about the Zoological Society of London on their website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.