Wallabies backlit by the setting sun, rhinos enjoying twilight snacks and aardvarks scampering outside at dusk are all snapped in a set of photos taken by zookeepers that give a peek at life beyond closing time at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire – something visitors will be able to experience for themselves on ‘Summer Saturday’ evenings.
Animal lovers will be able to see the conservation zoo and its 11,000 animals in a whole new light as part of the series – with late opening hours announced on four nights in July and August this year.

Chief Operating Officer Owen Craft said: “With spectacular sunset views of the Dunstable Downs behind the penguin pool, or along the southern white rhino paddock, visitors to Summer Saturdays will also be able to spend an evening exploring our 600 acres as the sun goes down, while learning about species at our conservation zoo that are more active as the sun starts to set – including African lions Waka, Winta and Malik, Amur tiger Czar and aardvarks Dobby and Terry.”
Summer Saturdays will take place every Saturday until 19th August, when the UK’s largest zoo will remain open until 9pm. Every ticket to the conservation zoo supports ZSL’s vital science and conservation work around the world.
Head to https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/ to book tickets today; simply select one of the remaining late opening dates when booking tickets: 5th, 12th, 19th August.
For more details visit https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/summer-saturdays-late-opening-whipsnade-zoo



