Battersea Park Children's Zoo launches a nationwide campaign during its 75th year, asking to give time to nature in #MinutesForNature

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo marks its 75th anniversary by asking the nation-wide community to pledge minutes to support wildlife before the year is out.

The campaign, #MinutesForNature, encourages individuals and families to pledge time to small and meaningful activities to support wildlife, from planting wildflowers and building bug hotels to litter picking and surveying garden wildlife. Each action contributes to a growing collective effort to protect the natural world.

As a zoo that has spent generations connecting children with animals and nature, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is using its milestone year to inspire action far beyond its gates.

Jamie Baker, Zoo Manager at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo said “This anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about what we can all do right now and in the future to support wild animals and their habitats. #MinutesForNature is our invitation for everyone to play a small part in protecting the natural world, because small actions, shared by many, can create a real difference for wildlife.”

A 75-year legacy of connection and conservation

First opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, Battersea Park became a pleasure garden, and a small collection of animals was brought to the site by the Zoological Society of London in collaboration with The News Chronicle. Over the years, the zoo has evolved into a modern conservation and education hub in the heart of London. After facing closure in the early 2000s, it was rescued and reimagined by the Heap family, reopening in 2005 with a renewed focus on animal welfare, conservation and learning.

Today, the zoo cares for over 100 animals across more than 45 species from the exotic to farmyard favourites and is an accredited member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

Its conservation work spans both local and international efforts. In partnership with Ealing Wildlife Group, the zoo has contributed to the release of more than 3,000 native harvest mice into restored West London habitats, helping re-establish a species once lost from large parts of the country. It also delivers curriculum-based workshops to more than 5,500 school children each year, with over 700 funded visits for children from disadvantaged communities since 2023.

May half term: a week of celebration, action and half price kids entry

During May half term (23rd - 31st May 2026), children’s tickets will be half price throughout the week as the zoo hosts a week of themed activities, conservation showcases and hands-on experiences. 

Conservation organisations from across the country will be on site throughout the week, including WWF, the RSPB, the Mitcham Hedgehog Project, the Oxford Sandy & Black Pig Society and the Saving Wildcats charity. Each showing visitors how Minutes for Nature could directly support the species and habitats they protect.

Visitors can make a Minutes for Nature pledge in person and add it to the Pledge Tree, a growing illustrated mural where commitments become leaves. The tree will be initiated during May, building a living, visual record of collective action taken throughout the year marking the zoo’s 75th anniversary. 

There will also be practical activities such as making bird feeders to take home, plus there will be an expanded programme of keeper talks throughout the day, offering opportunities to learn more about species including rare breed goats, lemurs, and meerkats, plus a hands-on pig feed! 

The celebrations culminate in a special 75th Big Birthday Bash on Friday 29 May. Visitors will be able to explore the zoo after hours with a late opening until 8.30pm. The evening will include exclusive evening keeper talks and animal feeds, and will provide an opportunity to experience the zoo in a different light as part of this landmark anniversary.

“May half term is when the campaign comes to life at the zoo. We want families to feel part of the celebration, which is why we’re offering half price children’s tickets and a full week of hands-on activities, themed days and our Big Birthday Bash on 29th May - everyone is invited!” said Jamie.

How to get involved

Some suggested #MinutesForNature actions include:

• Litter picking in a local green space, park or beach

• Make a bug house

• Putting up a bird feeder, nest box or bat box

• Planting wildflowers or pollinator-friendly plants

• Building hedgehog habitats

• Clearing invasive plants from a nature reserve or waterway

• Counting wildlife in your garden and submitting to ‘inaturalist’ app.

Pledges and action can be made in person at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo during May half term, or online at batterseaparkzoo.co.uk/minutesfornature. You can also share your activities on social media using #MinutesForNature and tag @BatterseaZoo to inspire others to join in.

Get involved: Minutes For Nature