An employee at London Zoo has dedicated nearly three years to developing a digital representation of the renowned attraction as it appeared over 120 years ago.

This virtual experience enables users to navigate through the zoo’s structures and observe the animals that resided there in 1904, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in aspects such as the construction materials and the signage that provides information about the animals.

The digital model was created for Planet Zoo, a simulation game that allows players to build and manage their own zoos and wildlife parks in a simulated environment.

Ralph Stickley, the designer and engagement officer at London Zoo, came up with the “spark of an idea” after perusing the book *London Zoo from Old Photographs* by John Edwards.

He experienced a burst of inspiration during the home confinement of the pandemic lockdown.

Stickley remarked, “London Zoo is a truly remarkable place to work, rich in history, and I have always been captivated by the evolving landscape of the site within Regent’s Park.”

He explained that he opted to recreate the zoo as it was in 1904 because “it was the year preceding significant alterations made by then-secretary Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell, providing insights into a zoo that looks very different today.”

Most of the structures modeled in Planet Zoo no longer stand.

Yet, frequent visitors may recognize the space currently known as the tropical birdhouse, the Blackburn Pavilion, which was an innovative reptile house back in 1904, along with the Clock Tower, sitting atop a building that formerly housed camels but now functions as the zoo’s first-aid station.

Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell became secretary at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in 1903 and introduced transformative concepts to animal care and zookeeping practices.

His initiatives led to considerable modifications in habitat design and the acquisition of land for a second wildlife park, Whipsnade Zoo, located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Tina Campanella, the charity’s bicentenary manager, commented, “As ZSL prepares to commemorate its 200th anniversary in 2026, this extraordinary insight into the history of London Zoo beautifully illustrates our progress and achievements over the years.”

“Ralph’s extraordinary attention to detail is impressive, from the nuances of the railings around the exhibits to the arrangement of the lions, tigers, and leopards within the big cat habitat; there’s so much to explore in every aspect of London Zoo from a century ago.”