Living in London

London's secrets: Beyond Zoos to Deer Parks and Cat Cafes!

By WardenJack 16 Feb 2024

London is a bustling metropolis, but it also has plenty of green spaces and wildlife to explore. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break from your studies, or a fun activity with your friends, here are four places where you can find wildlife in London.

Zoos are often criticized for their poor animal welfare, lack of conservation efforts, and negative impact on wildlife . Instead of supporting zoos, you can choose to visit animal sanctuaries, wildlife reserves or just a local park.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, and a National Nature Reserve. It is home to over 600 red and fallow deer, which roam freely in the park. You can watch them from a safe distance, or join a guided walk to learn more about their behaviour and history. The park also has many other animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, woodpeckers, and bats. You can enjoy the scenic views, the ancient trees, and the beautiful gardens in the park. Do not get too close to the deer.

Clissold Park

Clissold Park is a popular park in Hackney, with a variety of facilities and attractions. One of them is the Clissold Park Animal Enclosure, where you can see deer, goats, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals. The park also has a lake, a pond, a skatepark and a lovely café.

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is the oldest of London’s Royal Parks, and a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike. It is famous for its resident pelicans, which have been living in the park since 1664. You can see them being fed every day at 2:30 pm, or watch them sunbathe on the rocks. The park also has many other birds, such as swans, ducks, geese, and herons. You can also enjoy the stunning views of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Big Ben from the park.

Cat Café

If you are a cat lover, you might want to visit one of the cat cafés in London. These are places where you can enjoy a drink or a snack, while cuddling with some furry friends. There are several cat cafés in London, such as Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium. You will need to book in advance, and pay a small fee to enter the café.

App to walk a dog

If you don’t have a dog of your own, but you still want to enjoy some canine company, you might want to try an app to walk a dog. These are apps that connect dog owners with local dog walkers, who can take care of their dog when they can’t. You can sign up as a dog walker, and choose the dogs you want to walk.

You can also earn some money, or do it for free if you just want to have fun, one example is Borrow My Doggy.