How Nigerians in the UK Are Finding New Ways to Connect with Wildlife & Culture
For many Nigerians living in the UK, National Zoo Day — marked every April 8th — is more than just an opportunity to visit lions, tigers, and giraffes. It’s a chance to reconnect with memories of home, teach their children about wildlife, and create new family traditions.
Back in Naija, many of us remember school excursions to places like the University of Ibadan Zoo, Jos Wildlife Park, or Lekki Conservation Centre. Those trips were more than outings — they were moments of excitement, wonder, and learning.
Now, in the UK, zoos like London Zoo, Chester Zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo offer Nigerians in diaspora the chance to relive that childhood magic — but with a twist of British scenery.
For Naija Parents in the UK — It’s About More Than Animals
For Nigerian parents raising their kids in the UK, National Zoo Day presents an opportunity to pass on storytelling traditions.
“It’s not just about showing them animals,” says Funmi Adeyemi, a mum of two in Birmingham. “It’s about telling them stories of home — about the tortoise in Yoruba folktales, or the lion being the king of the jungle like in African proverbs.”
Many Nigerian families use zoo trips to educate their children about respect for nature, environmental responsibility, and even cultural values — all wrapped in the fun of a family day out.
A Growing Trend — Nigerian Community Zoo Meetups
Platforms like Naija UK Connect have seen a rise in community-organised family days at UK zoos. These gatherings often turn into mini Naija picnics — with jollof rice, suya, chin chin, and plenty of gist flying around between animal exhibits.
“It feels like being home again,” says Uche from Manchester. “The kids play, we network, and the zoo staff are always fascinated when they see how lively and colourful Nigerians can be — even at a zoo.”
Wildlife, Identity & Belonging
National Zoo Day reminds us that our love for nature and wildlife isn’t limited by location. Nigerians in the UK are blending their heritage with their present — raising children who are proud of both their African roots and their UK upbringing.
So whether it’s snapping selfies with penguins, teaching your kids about the wise tortoise from Anansi stories, or simply enjoying some Naija snacks by the giraffe enclosure — National Zoo Day is another beautiful reminder that Naija no dey carry last… not even in the animal kingdom.
Top Zoos in the UK Nigerians Love to Visit
1. London Zoo (ZSL London Zoo)
Address: Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
Highlights: Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, and Penguin Beach
2. Chester Zoo
Address: Moston Road, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1EU
Website: https://www.chesterzoo.org/
Highlights: Over 35,000 animals, Butterfly House, Islands Adventure
3. Edinburgh Zoo
Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, Scotland
Website: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/
Highlights: Famous for its Giant Pandas and Penguin Parade
4. Whipsnade Zoo (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)
Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 2LF
Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
Highlights: The UK’s largest zoo with open safari-style enclosures
5. Colchester Zoo
Address: Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0SL
Website: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/
Highlights: Elephant Kingdom, Orangutan Forest, African Savanna
6. Bristol Zoo Project
Address: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP
Website: https://bristolzoo.org.uk/
Highlights: Focus on conservation projects and endangered species
7. Twycross Zoo
Address: Burton Road, Atherstone CV9 3PX
Website: https://twycrosszoo.org/
Highlights: Renowned for primates, especially chimpanzees and monkeys
8. Marwell Zoo
Address: Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH
Website: https://www.marwell.org.uk/
Highlights: Big cats, giraffes, tropical house
Final Thoughts for Naija UK Connect Readers
National Zoo Day is another chance for Nigerians in the UK to blend family fun, learning, and culture — the Naija way!
Whether you’re planning a solo visit, family trip, or a full-blown community picnic with Naija UK Connect members — there’s a zoo waiting for you.
Remember — pack your jollof, bring your camera, and represent Naija with pride!
Call to Action:
Tag Naija UK Connect in your National Zoo Day family photos and show us how you’re repping Naija vibes at your favourite UK zoo!
#NaijaUKZooVibes #NationalZooDay #NaijaInDiaspora #ZooStoriesWithNaijaFlavour
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