London Zoo has welcomed two familiar faces back through its gates, as the National Football League (NFL) returns eagles and jaguars to the zoo for the first time in years – albeit in slightly larger, fluffier form.
Ahead of the second of three 2026 NFL London Games, which sees the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11, the NFL has teamed up with London Zoo to bring back two species that were once resident but are no longer found there.
Stepping in to fill the gap are two of the most iconic mascots in the NFL: SWOOP of the Philadelphia Eagles and Union Jaxson, official UK & Ireland mascot of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The pair have been pictured settling into their new surroundings at the zoo ahead of the big game, ready to welcome visitors.
Fans and members of the public keen to snap a selfie with both ‘species’ can do so at a special meet and greet on the zoo’s lawns on Friday, Oct. 9, from 2–3:30pm.
SWOOP and Union Jaxson will be joined by NFL UK & Ireland ambassadors, among other special guests, giving visitors up-close access to both teams and helping them get into the gameday spirit just two days before Sunday’s matchup.
As part of the work, the NFL has made a donation to support ZSL’s – the international conservation charity behind London Zoo – global science and conservation work, protecting species, restoring ecosystems and training conservationists.
“Game week in London is about more than just the 60 minutes of action on the field,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of NFL UK & Ireland. “We want to give people as many ways as possible to experience the NFL beyond game day. Welcoming SWOOP and Union Jaxson to London Zoo, which was once home to real eagles and jaguars is a fun twist, but it’s also a great chance for families and new fans to get closer to the NFL and both clubs before Sunday. We’re proud to support ZSL’s vital conservation work and can’t wait to see fans of all ages come down on Friday.”
“We’re delighted to welcome two very special new arrivals in SWOOP and Union Jaxson,” said Director of Zoo Operations, Owen Craft. “London Zoo is one of the capital’s most iconic attractions, with almost 200 years of history bringing people closer to animals, so it’s a brilliant place for the NFL to connect with fans ahead of Sunday’s game. We’re thrilled to welcome the mascots and grateful to the NFL for supporting ZSL’s work protecting and restoring wildlife around the world.”
“The Jacksonville Jaguars are delighted that Union Jaxson, our very own UK & IE mascot, can join in the fun with SWOOP at London Zoo,” said Jenn Toy, Vice President of Events and International Operations at the Jaguars. “Visiting such an iconic London destination which supports vital wildlife conservation programmes is a perfect synergy for the Jaguars. Playing back-to-back games once more this year, first at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but also at iconic Wembley Stadium on October 18, enables us to spend more time in the UK, engaging with a new audience at events like this, which helps promote the NFL and all the excitement that it brings to the capital.”
The meet and greet will take place on the London Zoo lawns on Friday, Oct. 9, from 2–3:30pm. For more information on visiting London Zoo and to book tickets, visit www.londonzoo.org.
