Giving back at London Zoo: how RCP London Events made a difference

At RCP London Events, we believe that giving back is essential to fostering a sense of purpose and connection, both within our team and with the wider community. Volunteering not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility but also allows our team to engage with causes that resonate deeply with our values.

We’re proud to spotlight the charitable efforts of our team members who recently volunteered at our neighbouring London Zoo. It was a day filled with hard work, heartfelt moments and meaningful contributions to the welfare of the animals and the community. Our team’s tasks ranged from refreshing animal enclosures to sprucing up community gardens. Each activity reinforced our shared commitment to sustainability and giving back.

Here's what the experience meant to some of our volunteers:

Deborah (Debbie) Badley – PA to Director of Conference and Events

Reflecting on the experience, Debbie said: “As a WWLF member I was already interested in animal welfare and their conservation in the wider global context but it was a learning experience seeing the challenges the team face daily balancing the welfare of the animals in their care, alongside promoting the conservation work they do, and its importance to the survival of many species, and displaying them for the public to enjoy and appreciate.  The work the team does is important and without their dedication we would all be poorer for it.”

Barbara – Senior Meetings and Events Planner

Barbara lent her green fingers to the zoo’s community garden, planting trees and enhancing wildlife ponds. While she didn’t work directly with animals, she found joy in the tangible results of her efforts. “Once you have completed the task, you can see the result and hear appreciation,” she said. She also highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives: “Learning new skills, meeting new people and exploring new places make you feel great. I would encourage anyone to find time in their busy life to stop for a moment and do something (even small) for someone else. It can be very small, but it still makes a huge difference!”

Ana Ruskova – Deputy General Manager (Company of Cooks)

For Ana, volunteering was an opportunity to reconnect with her love for animals and explore the zoo for the first time. Her tasks included weeding in the community garden, followed by a chance to tour the zoo and discuss animal welfare with the staff.

“We talked about animal welfare extensively. Everyone asked many questions to the members of the zoo as it’s such an exciting topic and these stimulated good discussions. Good animals’ welfare requires great efforts and meticulous care,” she shared. “It was such a fulfilling experience that taught me a lot about how to look after animals, how to respect their routines and their needs. It was also great to meet many other like-minded people that share the love for animals and passion for our community,” she said.

Why giving back matters

At RCP London Events, giving back is a core part of who we are. Initiatives like our recent volunteer day at London Zoo reflect our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. As part of our Giving Something Back policy, team members are encouraged to make a difference in the local community, with an additional day off each year to support a good cause.

These opportunities remind us of the power of collaboration, both within our teams and with the wider community, to drive lasting, positive change. By giving back, we not only support important causes but also strengthen the values that define us as an organisation.

Encouraging others to get involved

Our volunteers unanimously agreed on the value of participating in projects like this. Debbie said, “It is immensely rewarding, an opportunity to clear your mind, connect with others outside of your usual circle and a sense of worth knowing you are helping others, just because you can.”

Through our team’s efforts at London Zoo, we’ve not only enhanced the environment for its residents but also strengthened our own bonds as a team.

If you’re inspired by our story, we encourage you to find opportunities to volunteer and give back in your own community.