Zookeepers at ZSL London Zoo are getting ready to move animals into the new zoo-within-a-zoo on Wednesday 31 July, creating an exciting nature-inspired adventure-play destination for the capital this summer holidays. With 32,000 sq ft of space dedicated to inspiring young families, Animal Adventure will be home to more than 50 furry, spiky, feathery, and four-legged residents alongside a secret garden-style playpark, fun-filled Splash Zone, café and open-air amphitheatre for daily talks.

Young explorers will be able to delve into the secret and surprising lives of animals and follow some of nature’s most epic journeys – coming face-to-face with meerkats, porcupines, eagle owls, mongoose, coatis and more along the way. Capturing little ones’ imaginations, a child-sized hot air balloon and a replica of Charles Darwin’s boat, HMS Beagle, will ‘transport’ them to animal kingdoms around the world, connecting youngsters to animals through magical up-close experiences and adventurous play.

Chief Operating Officer for ZSL London Zoo, Kathryn England, says: “ZSL London Zoo’s new Animal Adventure is set to be the perfect place for families to celebrate summer in London this year and we’re all excitedly counting down to the opening. Our new children’s zoo has been designed to help young animal lovers develop an understanding and love of nature that they can carry into adulthood and our keepers can’t wait to share their knowledge of the animal kingdom with our visitors. With a packed schedule of animal talks, meet and greets and play activities designed to teach little ones about the natural world, Animal Adventure will be a real nature haven for youngsters in the heart of the city.”

The ultimate family experience this summer, Animal Adventure will open on Wednesday 31 July and is included in the price of a zoo ticket - book tickets now at zsl.org