POC Member, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), has launched a stunningly detailed recreation of London Zoo as it stood in 1904 — all within the popular wildlife simulation game, Planet Zoo.
The digital project lands ahead of the conservation charity’s 200th anniversary in 2026, offering wildlife fans and digital conservationists alike a unique opportunity to explore the Zoo as it looked over a century ago.
The immersive model, now available on Steam, was crafted over three years by ZSL engagement officer, Ralph Stickley. Blending passion for heritage with digital storytelling, Ralph utilised archive materials — from hand-drawn site maps and visitor descriptions to historic photographs — to faithfully reconstruct the Zoo’s 1904 layout, architecture, and exhibits.
“London Zoo’s legacy is incredibly rich,” said Ralph. “Reimagining its 1904 version for Planet Zoo was both a creative and deeply research-driven process. It’s a window into a transformative time in zoo-keeping, just before some of the most progressive changes in animal welfare began to take shape.”
The recreation showcases now-lost structures, such as the original reptile house (now Blackburn Pavilion) and the camel house, still standing today as the Zoo’s first aid post — complete with its iconic Clock Tower. Stickley also brought in creative solutions for elements like planting and terrain, where historical references were scarce.
Crucially, the year 1904 was selected for its pivotal place in ZSL’s history — just before then-Secretary Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell initiated groundbreaking changes to animal care and the planning of more naturalistic habitats. Mitchell would go on to lead the acquisition and creation of Whipsnade Zoo, the world’s first open zoo.
“This digital recreation celebrates how far we’ve come,” added ZSL’s bicentenary manager, Tina Campanella. “It offers a fascinating contrast to the modern, conservation-driven Zoo of today. Ralph’s attention to historical detail highlights the evolution of our approach to animal welfare and public engagement.”
The recreation is available now via the Planet Zoo Steam Workshop: Download here.
ZSL will mark its bicentenary in 2026 with a year-long programme championing 200 years of conservation impact. Find out more at www.zsl.org.
