King Charles and Queen Camilla visited London Zoo on Thursday, July 9, 2026, where they participated in a health check on a penguin named Lannister, fed a Galápagos tortoise a birthday cake, and painted a snail. The visit marked the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), of which Charles is patron.
Penguin Health Check and Laser Training
The royals approached the Humboldt penguin enclosure, where dozens of penguins gathered. Alongside zoo vet Stefan Saverimuttu, they used stethoscopes to check Lannister's heartbeat as the bird sat on a rock. They also engaged in laser training exercises to encourage the penguins to swim and dive; the lasers mimic fish scales, helping vets identify health issues.
During the stifling heatwave, Charles joked, "I just want to join the penguins," referring to their pool. He wore a blue suit, an animal-themed tie, and sunglasses.
Tortoise Birthday Cake and Snail Painting
The couple met Polly, a 31-year-old Galápagos tortoise, and presented her with a birthday cake—a watermelon decorated with the number 200 and flowers. Queen Camilla used metal tongs to feed greenery to Polly, while Charles offered some by hand. When Polly ignored his offering, Charles joked with the keeper about whether the tortoise was on a diet.
They also painted a snail as part of the zoo's enrichment activities.
New Wildlife Centre and Royal Patronage
ZSL announced the creation of a new wildlife centre to mark the anniversary. The centre will investigate animal diseases, train wildlife vets, track disease spread between species, support global conservation projects, and provide new veterinary facilities for ZSL's zoos in London and Whipsnade.
Charles's visit was his first as ZSL patron. He first visited London Zoo at age one to see Brumas, a newborn polar bear cub. Since 1828, every monarch has been patron of the society.
