Battersea Park Children's Zoo celebrates 20 years with the launch of first-ever conservation and education strategies

This year, Battersea Park Children's Zoo are celebrating 20 years since they were reopened as a conservation zoo after being rescued from closure by the Heap family. 

In 1951, Battersea Park was transformed into a pleasure garden as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations, and the forerunner of Battersea Park Children’s Zoo was born. 

In the Summer of 2004, the zoo was rescued from the threat of closure by the Heap family, refurbished and reopened in 2005 with a new mission. Alongside the New Forest Wildlife Park and the Chestnut Centre, Roger, Carol and Ed Heap transformed the conservation zoo we know today. Over the past 20 years the zoo has grown to become a dedicated force in both conservation and education, adapting to the evolving needs of modern zoos. 

Recognising the critical role zoos play in addressing global biodiversity loss, the zoo has expanded its conservation efforts, focusing on endangered species and contributing to international breeding programmes. Through innovative educational initiatives, it has become a centre for raising awareness about the plight of native wildlife and responsible social media usage in the face of the illegal wildlife trade.

As a pillar of the community within inner city London, the zoo not only serves as an educational resource but also provides a space for visitors to connect with nature, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our planet's biodiversity.

Today the zoo is home to over 100 animals across 45 species. As a proud member of BIAZA, the conservation zoo today boasts a number of species within the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Through their highly successful zoo education programme they welcome over 5,500 school children to the zoo each year, and since 2022 have fully funded 500 children, including those from SEN schools to the zoo to engage in practical beekeeping classes through their award-winning honeybee school programme. To compliment the work at the zoo, over the part 20 years they have continually supported a number of UK and overseas conservation projects such as Proyecto Titi, RSPB, Cikananga and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

To mark their 20th anniversary, and celebrate the zoo since its formation over 73 years ago, the team are proud to launch their first-ever conservation and education strategies, outlining their achievements and goals between now and 2030. They are inviting visitors of all ages to share this milestone during May half term where the zoo will be transformed into a festival of celebration, commemorating their history and paving the way for the future. 

The strategies can be accessed on BPCZ's website here.