In the heart of London, on the north side of Regent’s Park, is London Zoo. When London Zoo opened in 1828 it housed a collection of exotic animals that were studied by eminent scientists of the day. Only later, in 1847, did London Zoo open its doors to the public and, from then on, it became the most famous zoo in the world. Among many world firsts, London Zoo opened the first reptile house and public aquarium. Today London Zoo looks after 650 animal species.