The Zoological Society of London runs ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.
Although Whipsnade Zoo opened to the general public in May 1931, the search for a suitable site began in 1925 after Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell (ZSL Secretary between 1903 and 1935) was inspired by a visit to the Bronx Zoological Park to create a park in Britain as an ‘open zoo’.
The first animals to arrive at the zoo included two Lady Amherst’s pheasants, a golden pheasant and five red junglefowl. Others soon followed including llama, wombats and skunks. The Duke of Bedford donated wallabies, muntjac and Chinese water deer from nearby Woburn Abbey in 1928, descendants of which still live at the Zoo.
Set in over 600 acres of parkland, the zoo has over 2,500 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffe in huge outdoor enclosures.
Wild Wild Whipsnade looks at the beasts that once roamed the UK in days gone by, such as bears, wolves, lynx and moose and for little ones, the new Hullabazoo Adventure Play outdoor play area has been specially designed around animal movement.
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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, United Kingdom
The Zoological Society of London runs ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Set in over 600 acres of parkland, the zoo has over 2,500 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffe in huge outdoor enclosures.
Wildlife you might see at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
African Lion
Lions are unusually social compared to other cats, living in groups called prides. They typically inhabit savanna and grassland, although…
Amur Tiger
Known to travel up to 1,000 km (620 mi), they inhabit mainly the Sikhote Alin mountain region with a small…
Asian Elephant
The elephant of southern Asia. Is smaller than the African elephant, with smaller ears and only one lip to the…
Common Hippo
Recognisable by their barrel-shaped torsos, massive jaws and large tusks, nearly hairless bodies, stubby legs and great size. They are…
European Brown Bear
The most widely distributed species of bear, these omnivorous giants tend to be solitary animals, except for females and their…
Grey Wolf
A canid native to the wilderness and remote areas of North America, North Africa and Eurasia. It is distinguished by…
Eurasian Lynx
Wild cat with yellowish-brown fur, a short tail and tufted ears, found chiefly in the northern latitudes of North America…
Pygmy Hippo
It is a small hippopotamid, half the size of the common hippopotamus, native to the forests and swamps of West…
Reticulated Giraffe
Common giraffe subspecies. Its coat consists of large, polygonal spots outlined by a network of white lines. Favoured habitats include…
Family and group offers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Families
Special discounted family ticket packages are available online. Additional savings for families are offered with an online family offer (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). Save 10% excluding donation, enter code SAVER in the promotion code box when purchasing tickets.
Groups
Great discounted rates for groups of 10 or more paying visitors.
Special rates for Youth Groups.
Discount for booking 7 days in advance by phone.
Discount for booking up to a day in advance online.
Free adult ticket with every 10 paying children.
Free posters and leaflets to help promote your group visit.