Simon Armitage Commemorates ZSL's Bicentennial with Poetic Animation
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has commissioned Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to create a special work, The Moon and the Zoo, marking its 200th anniversary. This animated poem, illustrated by Greg King, delves into the nocturnal mysteries of London Zoo, blending artistry with conservation messaging to celebrate two centuries of zoological science and public engagement.
A Legacy of Artistic Inspiration at London Zoo
Over its 200-year history, London Zoo has inspired numerous acclaimed writers and artists. Notable examples include Edwin Landseer's iconic Trafalgar Square lions, A.A. Milne naming Winnie-the-Pooh after the resident bear Winnipeg, and Sylvia Plath's poem Zoo Keeper's Wife. Even Ted Hughes, who later became Poet Laureate, worked briefly as a dishwasher at the zoo, an experience that reportedly influenced his poem The Thought-Fox. Armitage now joins this distinguished lineage with his latest creation, highlighting ZSL's enduring cultural impact.
Exploring the Night-Time World of Wildlife
In The Moon and the Zoo, Armitage narrates a dreamlike journey that begins as the world sleeps. The poem opens with the moon sliding under turnstiles after dark, moving silently to tend to animals like gibbons and gorillas. It culminates at dawn, reflecting on humanity's shared responsibility for the natural world, with the moon symbolically handing over "the keys of the world" to us. Armitage spent time with animals and staff at London Zoo, meeting creatures such as Katie, a Mexican red-kneed spider, and observing Sumatran tigers, which fueled his fascination with their secret lives and dreams.
Metaphors of Moonlight and Conservation
Armitage explained that the night serves as a metaphor for the unknown, with the moon acting as an eternal witness to animal lives. He noted that some animals are active in darkness, while others find respite from human disruption. The moon also represents ZSL's behind-the-scenes work in keeping, caring, and conducting vital research. The poem aims to convey the wonder of nature and how it enriches human imagination, emphasizing our obligation to foster a harmonious relationship with the environment. Armitage added a playful element, wanting the imagery and ideas to be fun and engaging.
ZSL's Historical Significance and Future Vision
Founded in 1826 to advance zoological science, ZSL opened the world's first scientific zoo, London Zoo, in 1828, attracting figures like Charles Darwin. It became public in 1847. Kathryn England, CEO of ZSL, stated that for 200 years, the society has worked to connect people with wildlife and inspire protection efforts. Armitage's poem captures both the wonder of these encounters and the accompanying responsibility, serving as a powerful reminder of humanity's role in wildlife's future as the anniversary approaches.
The Full Poem: A Nocturnal Ode to Nature
The Moon and the Zoo weaves vivid imagery, from the moon dabbing ointment on a gibbon's paw to sharpening a warthog's tusks. It spreads animal dreams through the city before dawn, conjuring wild landscapes from urban spaces. The final lines underscore a message of trust and stewardship, urging readers to cherish and protect the natural world. This work not only celebrates ZSL's milestone but also reinforces its mission through poetic expression.
