Bright Group International has brokered a deal between the Zoological Society of London and Bloomsbury that will see the publisher launch a London Zoo program focused on conservation and education.

"We are delighted to be working with ZSL on creating a range of books that will encourage a sense of wonder about animals and nature in young readers," says Sarah Odedina, publishing director of Bloomsbury Children's Books. "They will be created by our very best authors and illustrators."

ZSL London Zoo dates back to the 19th Century.

"A zoo might not be a traditional basis for a publishing program, but we are always searching for new and exciting opportunities and are currently looking at a range of other amazing properties that have the potential to translate well to publishing," says Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, BGI's managing director.

BGI, which has grown out of illustration agency, The Bright Agency, recently secured the presence of Hallmark brand Country Companions in the publishing sector through a deal with Egmont.