Historical black and white photo of Obaysch the Hippopotamus, circa 1870's. The first hippo in Eu since Roman times. The conservation charity behind London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo is launching History Hive: a public appeal for memories and artefacts to bring its 200-year history to life. Launching exactly two years before the world-famous institution’s bicentenary, History Hive aims to build a collection of memories – from the tangible to the intangible – to reflect the varied voices and lived experiences of everyone who has played a part in ZSL’s rich history. ZSL is asking the public to submit everything from vintage zoo toys and historic tickets to correspondence and maps, enriching the charity’s understanding of its own history. The objects will form part of an exhibition to celebrate the 200th in 2026 alongside fascinating artefacts from ZSL’s existing archive, which all help to tell the story of ZSL’s impact not only on animal care and conservation, but on the very fabric of London and British culture. Notable artefacts already in the Zoos’ archive include a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, a limited-edition bear-shaped soap from the 1940’s which was produced by Cullingfords to mark the birth of baby Brumas the polar bear at London Zoo, zookeeper uniforms from decades past, and a decorated ostrich egg, painted by an unknown artist, to mark the opening of Whipsnade Zoo in 1931. *** Local Caption *** From album & prints in Library. Used in 2010 Visitor's Guide., Credit:YES / Avalon