In conversation: Zoological Society of London - 200 years

This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.

In 1826, the Zoological Society of London was founded for ‘the general advancement of zoological science’. Celebrating its bicentenary, ZSL now comprises two zoos (London and Whipsnade), one of the world’s largest and most respected wildlife research centres in the world (Institute of Zoology) and dozens of global conservation projects.

Join the ZSL leadership team to hear how conservation science has changed over two centuries, the role of the modern zoo and the future of nature recovery and conservation.

Speakers include:

• Professor Johan du Toit – Director of Science at ZSL who leads the Institute of Zoology, ZSL’s research division, with the goal of advancing the science of zoology and informing the applied work of ZSL and other conservation organisations globally
• Professor Sir Jim Smith FRS – Chair of ZSL’s governing Council. He is a developmental biologist who served as Director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Institute for Medical Research, where he helped establish the Francis Crick Institute. Most recently he was Director of Research Programmes at Wellcome
• Hana Ayoob (Chair) – Science communicator and illustrator with a background in zoology. She’s been fascinated with the animal world for as long as she can remember and is often found discussing and drawing the weird and wonderful creatures we share the planet with

This event is part of Attenborough at 100: a weekend of wildlife.

Attending the event

This event will be held in Theatre 2 at the Royal Society on Sunday 5 July 2026, 1pm – 1.40pm.

• Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
• Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
• Suitable for students aged 14+
• This talk will take place in person
• A recording of this talk will be available later on the Royal Society YouTube channel
• Live subtitles will be available
• Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
• Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café

For all enquiries, please email us.