The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is delighted to announce that Prince Charles is to become its first Vice Patron.
Since joining ZSL’s Exceptional Young Zoologist Club aged just 13, The Prince has been a long-time supporter of the Society; most recently visiting ZSL London Zoo in November with the Duke of Cambridge to attend a United for Wildlife meeting.
During the visit, their Royal Highnesses were given a tour of the Zoo’s new Tiger Territory exhibit, where they came face-to-face with male Sumatran tiger, Jae Jae, before meeting conservationists for an urgent discussion on how to end the escalating crisis of illegal wildlife trade.
The Prince will join his mother, HM Queen Elizabeth II, who has been Royal Patron of the Society since her coronation in 1953.
ZSL’s Director General Ralph Armond said: "I am delighted that The Prince of Wales, a long-term campaigner on wildlife conservation, has chosen to become the Vice Patron for the Zoological Society of London. During his recent visit in November it was clearly evident that he shares our passion for animals and protecting them in the wild.
“The Prince’s commitment to stopping illegal wildlife trade is very closely aligned with ZSL’s conservation work, and he has shown particular interest in the conservation technology we are developing, including next-generation cameras that will be used by park rangers to help catch poachers.”
During his five-year term as Vice Patron, The Prince will be involved in ZSL’s wide-ranging work, which includes ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, conservation projects in more than 50 countries around the world, and its science arm, the Institute of Zoology.
