Rocket Licensing has announced a strategic location-based entertainment (LBE) partnership with ZSL London Zoo for a six-week summer activation during the school holidays.
Running from Saturday, July 18 to Wednesday, September 2, the Horrible Science at London Zoo experience forms part of ZSL’s 200th anniversary year celebrations. Included with standard zoo entry, the activation translates two centuries of scientific discovery into interactive trails, live comedy performances, and pop-up experimental zones inspired by the book series created by author Nick Arnold and illustrator Tony De Saulles (published by Scholastic).
Experiential Licensing & On-Site Activation
The core of the partnership features ‘Back from the Brink’, an interactive comedy sketch show introducing pioneering figures from ZSL’s history alongside live conservation science experiments. The activation is complemented by an educational Horrible Science Trail across the venue, engaging young visitors with historical figures such as Charles Darwin, Joan Procter, Christine Hawkey, and Evelyn Cheesman.
To maximize retail synergy, the official Horrible Science publishing line is featured throughout the event at the ZSL flagship shop.
“London Zoo is a popular venue for families during the school holidays, but this collaboration with the UK’s best-loved children’s book science brand makes visits more special than ever. We’re delighted to welcome science and conservation lovers of all ages to this celebration of the first 200 years of one of the world’s most famous zoos.”
Victoria Sage, Visitor Programmes Manager at ZSL
“The appeal of the brilliant Horrible Science books and TV show is stronger than ever – and the brand’s strength in experiential licensing is being recognised by more and more of the UK’s greatest science and conservation-related institutions. We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with London Zoo.”
Elizabeth Scoggins, Nonfiction, Brands and Licensing Publisher at Scholastic UK
Brand Equity & Experiential Expansion
First launched in 1996, Horrible Science has translated into a global franchise published in over 30 countries and 20 languages, selling more than 4 million copies in the UK alone. The publishing IP has successfully expanded across television, licensed consumer products (including games, puzzles, apparel, and STEM kits), and a growing portfolio of experiential events.
Recent LBE brand extensions include major activations at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst, and the year-long ‘Cosmic Chaos’ exhibition at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
“We are thrilled to be working with London Zoo on this fantastic, inventive and very informative family-focused event. The combination of the much-loved Horrible Science brand and this world-famous ZSL conservation zoo is a winner for fans of scientific discovery, no matter their age.”
Melissa Satterly, Brand Manager at Rocket Licensing
