ZSL London Zoo: the place to head for wild dates and fun times with mates

ZSL London Zoo is a great place for a day with mates – or the perfect pick for the capital’s wildest date. With so many things to see – over 550 species and 18,000 animals – you’ll never be short of conversation. It’s packed with surprising moments and loads to do, and you’ll be supporting vital conservation work, too…

No two days are ever the same at ZSL London Zoo: it’s a unique and unpredictable place, packed with ‘wow’ moments, which means you’ll always experience something different. Getting up close to the wildlife is the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday London routine, and best shared with someone special.

The magic moments come thick and fast, wherever you go. Picture the first time you spot a sloth in the rainforest canopy, or the joyous shock of a monkey suddenly swinging over your head in the walkthrough enclosures. It’s endless fun, but can also be pretty romantic, too. Just witness some of the zoo’s already famous power-couples: like Ronnie and Reggie the penguins, okapi pair Oni and Mbuti, or Matilda and Pip, the Asian short-clawed otters. And with exotic birds and butterflies fluttering around, who wouldn’t feel inspired?

If you really want to impress, you can even book in to the zoo for the night. London Zoo Lodges offer an unforgettable evening for animal lovers, including two days’ zoo access, three exclusive expert-guided tours, dinner, breakfast, and a night sleeping in the heart of Land of the Lions.

There’s nowhere better to take your crew than the zoo, either – and nowhere creates more memorable experiences. There are guaranteed to be a whole lot off laughs and gasps, whether they’re generated by the lemurs of the Madagascan shrub forests, stone-juggling otters, or cheeky primates. And you can also face your fears and push your limits: dare you and your arachnophobic mate go ‘In With The Spiders’?

You’ll come away with some cracking selfies, too – how about one at the Penguin Bubble, where you can witness London Zoo’s legendary Humboldt penguins dive playfully underwater? And you can meet the creatures face-to-face by signing up for ‘Keeper For A Day’ or ‘Meet the Animals’ – a bonding experience you and your group will never forget. Finally, there’s a Halloween special on 31 October: book a London Zoo Lodge and you’ll get expert insight into the animals associated with this spooky time of year – and a zoo ghost tour.

Enjoy an amazing wildlife adventure that also helps to support ZSL’s vital conservation work. For more information and to book tickets, visit zsl.org/london