Families were able to avoid the queues and have some refreshments out of the sun thanks to Duncan, a Community Engagement Officer at the zoo who looked after everyone on the day. There were some new baby animals including otters, penguins and gorillas – the children kept a special eye out for them. 

Our Echoes events are a chance for siblings and parents to share stories and cherished memories of their loved ones, while also connecting with other families who have experienced the loss of a child.

Thea, 10, from Shepperton, Surrey, attended the event. Thea’s brother, Louis, very sadly died in 2021 when he was just 22 months old. Thea is a Young Ambassador for Momentum and has written a wonderful summary of the day:

“On Saturday 12 July, we were invited to a Momentum family day at London Zoo.

When we arrived, Annie from Momentum, led us to the Community and Learning Hub, where we made bug houses and decorated them.

We were then ready to start exploring the zoo! First, we saw the pygmy hippo chilling under some bushes, and some giraffes – strangely, one of them seemed very interested in licking the door!

The okapi looked like a mix of zebra, a giraffe, and a deer. Then, we walked into the lemur habitat, and they were quite friendly. As we walked into Night Life, I had a creepy feeling! We looked around and saw vague silhouettes of tiny creatures. We then met another Momentum-supported family – Harley, Edward, and John in The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians area and went around the rest of the zoo together.

The Gorillas were my favorite animal – they were really funny. One of them put a bag on its head and did roly polys. I would like to thank Momentum not just for the trip, but for all they have done for us. THANK YOU!”

A big thank you to ZSL London Zoo for generously donating the tickets and for looking everyone so well. Our lovely volunteers, Annie and Anita, also helped on the day – thank you!

Find out more about our bereavement service, Echoes, here