Battersea Park Children’s Zoo celebrates double milestone this May half term

This May half term, one of London's most treasured family attractions is celebrating, and everyone is invited.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo is marking two extraordinary milestones: an impressive 74 years of delighting generations since first opening its gates, and a heartfelt 20 years since the Heap family rescued it from permanent closure, transforming it into the vibrant conservation haven families know and love today.

To mark the milestone, the zoo is hosting a week-long Festival of Celebration packed with family-friendly activities, up-close animal encounters, interactive keeper talks, and a ZOO-tastic Treasure Hunt with incredible daily prizes to be won.

A remarkable rescue story

The area was opened as a public park in 1858 and was used for sporting activities.

During the First and Second World Wars, Battersea Park was a vital part of the national war effort. It was 1951 that the 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 2003, when government cutbacks and costly new European zoo regulations threatened Battersea Park Children's Zoo with closure, an extraordinary community rallied together. A passionate campaign led by the Friends of Battersea Park and supported by celebrities including Bob Geldof, Hugh Grant, and Elle Macpherson successfully persuaded Wandsworth Council to find new owners rather than close this beloved London attraction.

This was when Roger and Carol Heap stepped in – passionate wildlife conservationists who would transform the zoo's future. Having worked with otters since the 1970s at an otter conservation trust, the Heaps had built a strong reputation for rehabilitating injured and orphaned native wildlife at their Chestnut Centre in Derbyshire. Taking over Battersea Park Children's Zoo gave them the opportunity to bring their vision to life, creating a space where children could develop genuine respect and understanding for the natural world through joyful, up-close experiences whilst supporting wildlife conservation.

"The zoo has evolved tremendously since its Festival of Britain beginnings," explains Jamie Baker, Zoo Manager. "What started as a simple attraction has transformed into a vital hub for conservation, education, and research. This anniversary celebrates not just our history, but our ongoing commitment to making a meaningful difference for wildlife both within our walls and beyond."

The zoo's impact extends far beyond its five-acre London home. Alongside protecting its resident species, Battersea participates in numerous external conservation programmes and has transformed its grounds into a biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the city – complete with native wildflowers for pollinators and dedicated nesting spaces for bats and birds.

A week of celebration

From Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, the zoo will be transformed with bunting and a festival atmosphere as families are invited to join this landmark celebration. The birthday festivities include:

• History Exhibition: The Hive Cabin becomes a journey through time, featuring a specially commissioned film and captivating displays chronicling the zoo's remarkable transformation

• Animal Encounters: Expanded keeper talks throughout each day spotlight beloved residents, including the Asian Short-Clawed Otters (whose conservation is particularly close to the Heap family's hearts) and the charismatic Ring-Tailed Lemurs

• Hands-On Conservation Experiences: Young visitors can participate in special donkey and pony meet-and-greets and help zookeepers prepare enrichment treats for the mischievous Brown Capuchin monkeys, learning about animal care firsthand

• Interactive Wildlife Trail: A specially designed family trail weaves through the zoo, revealing fascinating stories about the animals and their conservation status – perfect for young explorers

Zoo-tastic Treasure Hunt

Adding to the excitement is the zoo's first-ever "ZOO-tastic Treasure Hunt" – a daily adventure where golden envelopes containing exceptional prizes are hidden throughout the grounds. Each morning, a cryptic clue will appear on the zoo's Instagram story, sending families on a search for prizes ranging from exclusive animal experiences and adoption packages to family tickets.

"We're inviting London families to be part of something truly special," adds Jamie. "This celebration honours the incredible community that saved the zoo two decades ago and the generations of visitors and partnerships who have made our conservation work possible. There's no better time to visit and create lasting memories while connecting with wildlife."

Battersea Park Children's Zoo offers families the perfect day out, combining wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, and educational fun. With its intimate size, visitors can get closer to the animals. The anniversary celebrations this May half term provide an extra special reason to visit this much-loved London gem that continues to charm and inspire new generations of wildlife enthusiasts.

Come and have some fun at the zoo between 24th May - 1st June at the 20th Anniversary Festival!