Sophie joins local children making festive treats for lemurs at London Zoo
The Countess of Wessex was given a guided tour of the restored Snowdon Aviary, which was visited by the Queen in 1967.
The Countess of Wessex visited Monkey Valley and joined in Christmas celebrations with local children during a festive trip to London Zoo.
Sophie was given a guided tour of the recently restored Snowdon Aviary, visited by the Queen in 1967, which is now home to a troop of 10 Eastern black and white colobus monkeys as part of the new exhibit.
ZSL director general Matthew Gould said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to ZSL London Zoo… to join in some of our festive, educational activities, learn more about ZSL’s vital science and conservation work, and visit Monkey Valley – which itself has an important link to the royal family.”
“Queen Elizabeth II visited the exhibit in 1967, accompanied by her sister.”
The Queen was ZSL’s patron from her coronation in 1953 until her death in September this year.
The school visit was part of ZSL’s Education Access Scheme which enables schools in Camden and Westminster to make regular trips to the conservation charity zoo.
“The scheme lets children who would not otherwise be able to visit the zoo have the chance to do so, and be inspired by our animals and the work we do to protect wildlife around the world.
“The royal family has been a vital part of ZSL’s 200-year history and has helped us to inspire millions to protect wildlife around the world.”
