Big Gay Beaver Day Returns to Paradise Fields
A queer-led fundraiser for the Ealing Beaver Project
Sean McCormack of the Ealing Beaver Project with attendees at a previous Big Gay Beaver Day
July 29, 2026
Citizen Zoo has announced the return of Big Gay Beaver Day, a joyful, queer-led celebration of rewilding that will raise funds to support the expansion of beaver reintroductions across London.
The 2026 event takes place on Saturday 19 September and builds on the success of last year’s inaugural gathering, which highlighted the role of LGBTQI+ people in shaping the Ealing Beaver Project.
The day begins at Paradise Fields, where visitors will join guided tours of London’s first urban beaver reintroduction site. All proceeds will support Citizen Zoo’s work to restore beavers to the capital’s waterways, helping to create healthier wetlands, boost biodiversity and strengthen resilience to climate change. With luck, attendees may catch a glimpse of the resident beavers in their enclosure while learning about the ecological impact of these “ecosystem engineers”.
Festivities continue into the evening at Horsenden Hill Farm, where the celebration shifts into full queer joy. Drag performers Brent Would and That Girl will take to the stage, joined by DJ sets from Lucy and Ali of 1-800 Dyke Rescue. A pop-up lesbian arm-wrestling competition hosted by Dyke U-Haul adds a playful twist to the fundraising programme.
Citizen Zoo emphasises that Big Gay Beaver Day is open to LGBTQI+ people and their friends, families and allies. To ensure cost is not a barrier, a limited number of complimentary tickets will be offered, prioritising trans and gender-diverse people and others who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Lucas Ruzo, Citizen Zoo co-founder and CEO, said the event holds personal significance. “Big Gay Beaver Day is very special to me as a gay man. It’s been a privilege to work on such a pioneering project for London, and it fills me with pride to be able to share it with the queer community for an evening celebrating nature, community and rewilding.”
The Ealing Beaver Project — delivered in partnership with Ealing Wildlife Group, Friends of Horsenden Hill, Ealing Council, and supported by the Mayor of London — has become a flagship example of community-driven rewilding. The project aims to restore wetlands, improve local habitats and reconnect Londoners with nature.
Attendance is limited to 180 adults (18+), and advance booking is recommended.
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