Zoological Society of London: a python swallowing a boa with the aid of an animal keeper. Wood engraving by Pearson.

The Zoological Society of London, a professional scientific body with charitable status, and the oldest zoological society in the world, was first established in 1826. It was through the Zoological Garden's in Regent's Park that the society became best known in Britain and throughout the world, and took the word "zoo" into the international vocabulary. The opening on Whipsnade in 1931 marked the beginning of a new era in the breeding of rare species in captivity

The keeper is feeding the boa directly into the python's mouth

[Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified]

1 print : wood engraving ; image 15.1 x 22.8 cm

The python swallowing the boa at the Zoological Gardens. Pearson sculp

Wellcome Collection 42438i