So a rabbi and a zookeeper got talking… This might sound like the beginning of a Jewish joke, but it actually took place — and planted the seed for a unique way to celebrate Succot.

For the first time, a succah is coming to a UK zoo. The London Zoo succah is a joint project between the zoo and South Hampstead Synagogue.

The original idea came from Matthew Gould, the Jewish CEO of the Zoological Society of London, which oversees both London and Whipsnade Zoos. Gould told the JC: “London Zoo is the perfect place for Succot.

"Our animals and beautiful gardens offer a powerful connection to nature, and our conservation work is a wonderful example of tikkun olam [repairing the world].”

Gould was the first Jewish British ambassador to Israel and was the first ambassador to put a succah in the garden of the ambassadorial residence in Ramat Gan.

The London Zoo succah will be decorated by children from South Hampstead Synagogue and the shul’s Rabbi Shlomo Levin will ensure that it is halachically compliant.

Matthew Gould -ZSL(MM)22 4551

Matthew Gould (Photo: Handout)

Rabbi Levin said: “We are thrilled to partner with London Zoo for this imaginative project that will greatly enhance the experience of Jewish families visiting the Zoo during chol hamo’ed.

“We look forward to the wholehearted support of the whole Jewish community for this first-time-ever initiative.”

The succah will be available for visitors to picnic and pray in while they spend the day exploring the historic zoo and learning about its 14,000 animals.

The zoo will also add a strictly kosher pizza station and snacks to its catering arrangements during Succot.

Gould said that he was “profoundly grateful to Rabbi Shlomo and everyone at South Hampstead shul for their support in creating the first London Zoo succah.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Jewish families from every part of the community to the zoo.”

London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, and home to dozens of threatened species including Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions and Humboldt penguins— all part of global breeding programmes designed to protect their future.

All proceeds from tickets to Succot at London Zoo will support ZSL’s work with wildlife overseas.

Succah entry will be free with zoo tickets. which must be booked advance.