London Zoo serves up a Double-Impact Festive Dinner Appeal

London Zoo's Festive Dinner Appeal

Brussels sprouts may not be everyone’s seasonal preference, but for our critically endangered western lowland gorillas, it’s a festive favourite. This year, supporters who donate the cost of one of their starters, mains or desserts can double their impact through our Festive Dinners campaign. Each festive-themed donation helps fund ZSL’s – the charity that runs the zoo – critical conservation work around the world.

Today, on Giving Tuesday, we're asking people to donate the cost of an animal’s starter (£6), main course (£14), dessert (£7), or a full three-course meal (£25). These reflect the daily costs of feeding some of the endangered species we're working to protect at London Zoo. Every donation, up to a total value of £10,000, is being matched by a generous anonymous donor.  

“Festive Dinners is such a simple but powerful way for people to make a real difference,” said Hannah Eaton, ZSL’s Fundraising Manager. “Feeding time at the Zoo might seem light-hearted, but covering the cost of a lion’s lunch or a parrot’s breakfast will make a big difference to our work.  

“Thanks to match-funding, every donation made this Christmas will go twice as far to help us protect species, restore habitats and support the conservation science that underpins our work here in the UK and around the world.”

Helping our gorilla troop 

At London Zoo, the western lowland gorilla troop – including silverback Kiburi, adult females Mjukuu and Effie, juveniles Alika and Gernot, and infants Juno and Venus – plays a vital role in global efforts to save this critically endangered species. Donations to the Festive Dinners campaign support the Zoo’s expert care, research, and global conservation partnerships to help tackle habitat loss, disease, and poaching, ensuring real impact for gorillas both in the zoo and in the wild.

Our work spans the globe, from protecting endangered Darwin’s frogs in Chile, restoring fragile mangrove habitats in Thailand, to restoring oysters in the UK, and it has never been more vital. The Festive Dinners Appeal will not only support his but also vital conservation breeding programmes here and at our sister Zoo Whipsnade, as well as educational projects designed to train the next generation of conservationists.

Supporters will receive a Festive Dinners Certificate in recognition of their support. This seasonal keepsake is a great way to make a gift in someone’s name, or to keep as a reminder of a meaningful contribution towards a world where people and wildlife thrive.  

With all donations being matched this year, we believe there’s never been a better time to give. Make this festive season truly special: give a gift that brings joy, inspires families, and leaves a legacy for wildlife.