The Zoological Society of Ireland (ZSI) is the body responsible for running Dublin Zoo, where it is based, and Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork.
[2] The original ZSI was founded in Dublin on 10 May 1830 at a meeting in the Rotunda Hospital called and chaired by the Duke of Leinster, "to form a collection of living animals on the plan to the Zoological Society of London".
[4] In 1838, the Zoo held an open day to mark the coronation of Queen Victoria and the Society was rewarded with the prefix "Royal" in its name.
[5] This was to facilitate government and private funding arrangements for future development.
[5] Responsibility for government assistance was transferred at the same time from the Department of Education to the Office of Public Works.