The London Zoo opened in 1827 as a place for scientific study.  Animals from the Tower of London menagerie came to the London Zoo shortly after in 1831-32.  The zoo opened to the general public in 1847.  A trend setter, this zoo, now also known as the Regent's Park Zoo, is known for establishing the first reptile house (1849), public aquarium (1853), insect house (1881), and children’s zoo (1938).