Simon Armitage's Poem 'The Moon and The Zoo' Marks ZSL's 200th Anniversary
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has commissioned a new poem and animation titled 'The Moon and The Zoo.' The work explores the nocturnal life of animals at London Zoo, using the moon as a metaphor for eternal witness and the unseen conservation efforts of ZSL. Illustrated by Greg King, the animation narrates a dreamlike journey from the zoo into the wider natural world, emphasizing humanity's shared responsibility for wildlife. Armitage drew inspiration from behind-the-scenes visits, observing animals like Sumatran tigers and spiders, aiming to highlight the mysterious aspects of animal existence. The poem concludes with a message about the trust humans must uphold to maintain harmony with nature. This commission continues a historical tradition of artistic inspiration at the zoo, following figures like Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. ZSL CEO Kathryn England praised the piece for capturing both the wonder of wildlife encounters and the ethical obligations they entail, serving as a powerful reminder of the public's role in future conservation efforts as the society marks two centuries of scientific advancement.
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Simon Armitage's Poem 'The Moon and The Zoo' Marks ZSL's 200th Anniversary
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has commissioned a new poem and animation titled 'The Moon and The Zoo.' The work explores the nocturnal life of animals at London Zoo, using the moon as a metaphor for eternal witness and the unseen conservation efforts of ZSL. Illustrated by Greg King, the animation narrates a dreamlike journey from the zoo into the wider natural world, emphasizing humanity's shared responsibility for wildlife. Armitage drew inspiration from behind-the-scenes visits, observing animals like Sumatran tigers and spiders, aiming to highlight the mysterious aspects of animal existence. The poem concludes with a message about the trust humans must uphold to maintain harmony with nature. This commission continues a historical tradition of artistic inspiration at the zoo, following figures like Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. ZSL CEO Kathryn England praised the piece for capturing both the wonder of wildlife encounters and the ethical obligations they entail, serving as a powerful reminder of the public's role in future conservation efforts as the society marks two centuries of scientific advancement.
The Guardian