The Zoological Society of London
Founded in 1826 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a world‑famous science‑led conservation charity working to restore wildlife and protect nature across the planet.
The organisation runs two exceptional visitor attractions - London Zoo in Regent's Park and Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire - which help fund and showcase its international conservation and research projects.
From rewilding natural habitats to safeguarding endangered species, ZSL's pioneering work now spans more than 70 countries, uniting scientists, conservationists, and the public in creating a healthier future for wildlife and people alike.
Tiger, Dove and Snail Reverse
The Royal Mint's 200 Years of the Zoological Society of London £2 coins feature a striking reverse design by artist Jonathan Olliffe that features three species that tell a powerful story about the ZSL's conservation impact
SUMATRAN TIGER - Among the world's most critically endangered big cats, the Sumatran tiger reflects ZSL's on‑the‑ground work tackling poaching, habitat loss, and human‑wildlife conflict in Indonesia.
SOCORRO DOVE - A bird once declared extinct in the wild, the Socorro dove survives today only thanks to international breeding programmes led by zoos, including ZSL, giving hope for its reintroduction to its native habitat.
PARTULA SNAIL - These small Polynesian snails highlight ZSL's decades‑long success in species recovery, with thousands bred for eventual return to the islands of the South Pacific.
Encircling the design is the edge inscription 'RESTORING WILDLIFE TOGETHER', a phrase that reflects ZSL's collaborative approach to conservation and the shared responsibility we all have for protecting the planet's biodiversity.
Limited Edition Collectors Coins
Issued to celebrate the organisation's bicentenary, these commemorative Two Pound coins are not expected to enter circulation but are available in a range of finishes to suit every collector, with a portion of proceeds from each sale donated directly to ZSL to support its vital conservation work.
Further ZSL coins are also included within 2026 Annual Sets.
Each piece carries Martin Jennings' official coinage portrait of King Charles III, with the denomination and date.
