The Tropical Zoo attracts thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy our permanent exhibition of animals from every tropical region on earth. By combining fun and education, we aim to spread the message of conservation to a wider audience.

What visitors may not know is that many of our animals were rescued from the illegal pet trade, private collectors or zoos, where their specific needs could not be met. We provide a safe haven for rescued and endangered animals and work hard to maintain an ideal environment for each species. Our experienced staff can answer all your questions about the animals, their habits and environment. Animal Encounters form an important part of the experience and we like to ensure that every visitor meets an exotic animal - close up! All Animal Encounters are supervised to ensure your safety and minimise any stress to the animals.

People are now becoming aware of the importance of the rainforest to our survival in the developed world. These forests breathe life into our world, shielding us from the worst effects of global warming. The forests provide the plant life that forms the basis of research into drugs to prevent or cure many serious illnesses. The rich diversity of life from the forest floor to the tallest canopy is dependent on our commitment to conservation now and in the future.

We value your support of our work in the UK and hope you will continue to enjoy learning about the our wild planet.

Our overseas project is based in South Africa. The Ishona Langa Wildlife Reserve in KwaZulu Natal is home to some beautiful creatures from butterflies to wildebeest. These vulnerable animals are losing their natural habitat and are prey to hunters, illegal poaching and trade. Check out the Ishona Langa website to see this stunning nature reserve and rescue centre. You may even decide to take a holiday in the region!

Ishona Langa is a non-profit undertaking that is sustained by the wedding and conference facilities that it offers. Income from the hiring of the venue is used to sustain the sanctuary.
www.ishonalanga.co.za 
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Meet The Team
Tony PurdyTony- Founder









post_line.jpg AliceAlice - Co Founder
Growing up with my animal mad father, (above) made me fall in love with animals at a young age! I used to spend all my free time volunteering at places like The Natural History Museum, Colchester Zoo and numerous Veterinary Clinics.  I have also spent a summer working with the S.P.C.A Animal Rescue South Africa. When my Dad created our rescue centre, The Tropical Zoo, it was all my dreams come true.  Not only do I get to rescue unwanted and abused animals, I also get to talk to kids about loving the planet!!  Each one of these little souls here is my friend, come along and make them your friends too!

post_line.jpg Celso Celso - Ranger

I was born in Ecuador, South America.  I grew up in the rainforest where my father had a small farm.  As an adult I worked as a jungle guide for almost 10 years taking tourists deep into the magnificent Amazon rainforest.
I have been looking after exotic animals from the young age of 9.  I am passionate about all animals, but my speciality is reptiles, crocodiles being my favourite.  I came to England in the 1990's and have been working at The Tropical Zoo as a keeper and lecturer for the last 7 years, there is no place like this in the London area.

post_line.jpg JordenJordan - Volunteer

I've been interested in animals ever since I was a young boy.  I have grown up with the cute and cuddly ones but in recent years I have found a new interest with exotic animals.  Working at The Tropical Zoo has been amazing because I get to work with unusual and exotic animals from all over the world.


post_line.jpg KrisKris - Zoo Ranger

I started at The Tropical Zoo in 2005 as a volunteer.  After a year and a half I became an animal carer, moving up to supervisor of the work experience team.  Last year  I became a full time ranger, a job I was very happy to accept.

post_line.jpg lewis.jpgLewis - Ranger

I started working at The Tropical Zoo in late 2007 as a volunteer.  Most of my free time was spent helping with the cleaning and feeding of the many resued residents.  March 2008 was when I became a full time ranger and couldn't now imagine doing anything else.  Educating people to the plight of the animals and sharing my passion is particularly enjoyable and important to me.  Animals are quite literally my life, growing up surrounded by animals great and small.  I personally have over 50 pets including chickens, lizards and a parrot. It's like work from work but I wouldn't have it any other way