Royal Mint Launches £2 Coin Commemorating 200 Years of Zoological Society of London

The Royal Mint launched a £2 coin on Monday to celebrate 200 years of the Zoological Society of London.

The coin features a tiger, a snail, and a dove and was officially unveiled at ZSL's London Zoo in Regent's Park. It was created by the Royal Mint in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London. The coin carries the edge inscription 'restoring wildlife together'.

A giant wooden replica of the coin, measuring 2m (6ft 6ins) in diameter, was given to the Sumatran tigers at London Zoo for their 'roar' of approval.

The reverse design of the coin depicts the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro dove, and the Partula snail.

The design includes fine detail of the tiger's fur texture, the dove's delicate feathers, and the snail's shell ribbed surface. Bamboo grasses are depicted winding between the three creatures on the coin. The coin design nods to the wild habitats that ZSL works to protect and restore.

The replica coin given to the tigers forms part of activities that stimulate an animal's natural instincts, including stalking and hunting.

Mackenzie, director of digital and product concept at the Royal Mint, said: "This coin is so much more than a commemorative piece, it's a tribute to two centuries of dedication to wildlife and our planet.

We're proud to support ZSL, and every purchase contributes directly to its vital environmental work."

The Zoological Society of London was founded in 1826 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles for the advancement of zoological science.

ZSL operates in more than 70 countries and works to help restore natural habitats, protect threatened species, and educate conservationists.