Celebrating 200 Years of ZSL: Simon Armitage's Poetic Tribute

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has commissioned Simon Armitage, the current Poet Laureate, to create a special poem celebrating the organization's 200th anniversary. This poetic tribute, titled "The Moon and The Zoo", pays homage to the zoo's long-standing tradition of inspiring acclaimed writers and artists over the past two centuries.

Since its establishment, London Zoo has been a source of fascination and creativity for many renowned figures. From Edwin Landseer's iconic Trafalgar Square lions to A.A. Milne's naming of "Winnie" after the resident bear Winnipeg, the zoo has consistently captured the imagination of the literary and artistic community. Even Sylvia Plath, the acclaimed poet, found inspiration in the zoo, penning her poem "Zoo Keeper's Wife."

Interestingly, Plath's husband, the late Ted Hughes, who would later become Poet Laureate himself, briefly worked at the zoo as a dishwasher, an experience that is said to have influenced his seminal work, "The Thought-Fox."

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The Zoological Society of London has long been a hub of creativity and inspiration, attracting some of the most renowned writers and artists throughout its 200-year history. With the commissioning of Simon Armitage's poetic tribute, the organization continues to celebrate and honor its rich legacy of inspiring the cultural and artistic landscape.

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As the zoo looks toward the future, this special poem serves as a reflection on its enduring impact and the enduring power of the natural world to captivate the human imagination. Through the words of Armitage, the story of the Zoological Society of London unfolds, weaving together its past, present, and the promise of its continued role in shaping the artistic and literary landscape for generations to come.