Kathryn England is the Chief Executive Officer of ZSL

Kathryn England has been appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZSL, the charity behind London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. 

Kathryn England is the first female to lead ZSL in our 200-year history. The announcement of her appointment being made permanent is particularly meaningful as it falls in the week of International Women's Day (8 March), and in the year that we're marking our bicentenary. 

Kathryn has been at ZSL for over 10 years, knows the organisation inside out, and has the dedication to our vision to lead us into the next chapter.

More about Kathryn’s background 

Meet ZSL’s directors

200 years of ZSL

London Zoo is more than just a Zoo, we're part of ZSL, a global wildlife conservation charity working in more than 70 countries around the world to protect wildlife and their habitats, including right here in the UK. We believe that nature can recover, and we look for answers through science and work with people to find solutions. 

Every visit to London Zoo helps to fund our vital work, and we're also undertaking crucial conservation with our animals in the Zoo through breeding programmes, reintroductions, and caring for Critically Endangered species. 

2026 is a big year for ZSL as we celebrate 200 years of wildlife and wonder. Kathryn has already been a big part of our celebrations, and there’s lots more to come throughout the year. 

More about ZSL’s bicentenary

Influential women in ZSL’s history 

Women have been making astounding contributions throughout our history, from Lady Sophia Raffles - the first woman to become to a Fellow of a learned society - to Joan Procter - the first female Curator of Reptiles (pictured above). Kathryn’s appointment as CEO is the latest chapter in that story. 

Seven women who have shaped ZSL