Ever wondered what it takes to grow a jungle in the heart of London? This June, London Open Gardens is teaming up with ZSL London Zoo to offer a wild, Behind-the-Scenes tour like no other, and just 20 lucky ballot winners will get to experience it.

This exclusive horticultural adventure will whisk guests into the green heart of the Zoo. They’ll meet its incredible HorticultureTeam who are responsible for creating and maintaining the Zoo’s landscapes to ensure a rich biodiversity that meets the needs of its resident animals.

Led by Ben Camps, Head of Horticulture, this two-hour tour takes visitors through some of the Zoo’s most exciting green zones including:

The Tiger Territory which houses the Sumatran tigers and has been planted to mirror their natural habitat.

Monkey Valley where they’ll hear about the challenges of creating a home for the Zoo’s colobus monkeys.

Run by the charity London Parks and Gardens, London Open Gardens weekend unlocks the gates to the lesser-seen private spaces which enrich London’s landscape. While almost half the capital’s footprint is green, only 18% is designated Public Open Space.
Now in its 26th year, LOG ticket holders can visit over 100 secret gardens on 7th & 8th June. From historic courtyards to rooftop oases, these hidden gems show off the city’s verdant side, normally hidden behind fences, gates and private walls. A much-loved annual event, LOG raises funds to help protect the gorgeous ‘green lungs’ of London; its parks, gardens, squares and hidden green spaces which improve the air we breathe and add value to our lives, our health, culture and nature.

This is the first time London Zoo has taken part, and they’ve created a one-of-a-kind experience just for the occasion.

The London Zoo ballot opens 10am Bank Holiday Monday, 21st April and closes on 12 May 2025 at 11:59pm. You must purchase a LOG ticket to enter the ballot.