The original zoological and botanic gardens were partially destroyed during the Great Global Event. In fact it turned out to be something of a blessing in disguise as the resulting mountain of warm, fertile material allowed the zoo to expand considerably and the newly forming jungle began to provide a unique and productive habitat - a tropical jungle in England (well a tiny corner is actually in Wales, but they've disowned it as ethnically and linguistically un-Welsh.) However time and unnaturally rapid evolution, combined with an unknown substance unique to this bit of hillside, transformed the jungle into a most intimidating place. A dark and and very significant secret nows hides in that jungle.
   When the government decided that they'd spent enough on education, education and education and realised how many immigrants there were, funding for schools was drastically cut and diverted into new funds for cultural diversification projects. Being rushed through parliament before an election, the legislation was botched. Hence Nesstown Zoo was able to become the proud guardians of a grant-aided 'culturally diverse' population of animals.
   This does on occasion, (no, regularly,) cause tension as cultures clash. A fine example being the Proletarian Penguin Peoples Party and its dislike of anything hairy or furry, or intellectual. Being the wonderful place that it is, Nesstown Zoo has more than its fair share of geniuses, and of course fluffies, hence some bad will between species. Despite attempts at mediation these clashes continue to this day and even impinge on local human society. Indeed at times it's so bad that locals call it 'Culture Clash City,' even though only a tiny proportion is built upon.
   Now the UK government have made Nesstown Jungle a SSSI, forbidden to unauthorised visitors, and the United Nations have listed the whole zoo's unique and diverse community a World Heritage Site. In doing so effectively they stopped anyone doing anything to improve the situation.
   The strategic importance of Nesstown Zoo and the incomparable nature of some of its animals and plants makes it a target of curiosity, even envy for both commercial and scientific interests, especially those denied access to its secrets. And so, as you may discover, it attracts some distinctly unwanted attention.