Half term events for budding young vets at Whipsnade and London Zoos

Aspiring young vets can put their animal care skills to the test at both Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire and London Zoo this February half-term with Vets in Action, an inspirational role-playing experience for children.  

From Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th February, during an action-packed week of activities, kids can experience first-hand what it takes to be a vet at these popular attractions.

Whipsnade Zoo

At the UK’s largest zoo – Whipsnade – young vets can discover how to look after some of the biggest animals in the world, from powerful rhinos to towering giraffes. Upon arrival at the specially created Animal Hospital, they will instantly be placed at the heart of the action, learning how to examine and treat different animals. Junior vets will join the team to learn all about the varied life of a zoo vet – practising their newly-learned skills by helping to rescue a replica stranded turtle and carrying out veterinary checks on fluffy toy otters. 

Alongside the exciting role-play event, fascinating family talks and demonstrations will take visitors further behind the scenes, revealing the hidden world of everything from crocodiles to elephants. 

Once their shift is over, families and young vets can explore acres of wide-open space at the conservation zoo, while paying a visit to more than 10,000 animals. 

London Zoo

At London Zoo, meanwhile, after arriving for work at the specially-recreated zoo vet centre, young vets will be prepped with hairnets and masks before helping experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys, experiencing first-hand the huge variety of work carried out by the zoo‘s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers – from microchipping meerkats to ultrasounding pregnant sloths.  

Additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week will take families further inside the exciting world of the conservation zoo, explaining everything the zoo team does to keep its 14,000 residents in tip-top condition; from newborns – including the two adorable Sumatran tiger cubs, Zac and Crispin – to 18-year-old silverback gorilla, Kiburi, who joined Gorilla Kingdom in November as part of a collaborative conservation breeding programme for his species.  

Once their shift is over, mini-vets and their families can spend the rest of the day being inspired by the wonders of nature at the 36-acre outdoor attraction – home to more than 300 species, many of which are threatened in the wild and part of important global breeding programmes. 

A great value day out for the family, Vets In Action and all extra activities are included with zoo entry. Book tickets online now for Whipsnade Zoo here and for London Zoo here.

Main image credit: ZSL

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