Bears meet gorillas at London Zoo’s gay day

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London Zoo will host its third annual Gay Sunday on September 16th.

The event, now in its third year, is an opportunity for LGBT people to spend a leisurely day exploring the unique environment at the Zoo in Regent’s Park.

Gay Sunday is the brainchild of the Head of Communications at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Simon Rayner.

“It is a great day out and a chance for us to broaden our reach and make people aware of the work we do here,” he told PinkNews.co.uk

“There are many gay people who work at the Zoo and I had the idea one day of inviting our big gay family along for a day!

“It is a chance to bring our conservation message to a new audience and we hope we can provide an escape from the urban jungle.”

Following their positive reception at last year’s event, the London Gay Symphonic Wind Orchestra will be joining in the fun once again, performing an eclectic mix of numbers, from cheesy classics to marching band romps.

There will be chances to meet some of the animals and experience the ambience of the Zoo’s VIP chill out lounge.

Visitors will be able to design their perfect urban safari, picking and choosing from a packed programme, offering everything from interactive family workshops to animal talks, feeds and demonstrations.

London Zoo also offers visitors a face-to-face meeting with a gorilla as they explore the awesome new Gorilla Kingdom and the chance to watch tiny monkeys dart around in the treetops while birds flit between branches in the tropical Clore Rainforest Lookout.

They can also take a trip into the Bolivian rainforest to get up close and personal with the black-capped squirrel monkeys in the walk-through Meet the Monkeys exhibit or immerse themselves in the vibrant Butterfly Paradise.

Visitors taking advantage of the Gay Sunday promotion will get 20% off the price of admission to the Zoo from 10am until 5.30pm and exclusive access to the terrace.

There more than 650 species of animal in 36 acres of green space. Mr Rayner stresses that the diversity of the event is also reflected in the people that attend.

“This is a green oasis and a day here is a perfect alternative to a night of clubbing.

“Gay Sunday has been phenomenally successful and has grown and grown.

“It is very popular with the whole gay community, everyone from female couples with children, transgender people, gay male couples drinking in the exotic and romantic settings.”

To book your tickets for Gay Sunday or for more information click here.