Whipsnade Zoo is a large and very popular wildlife park situated in the countryside of Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Owned by the Zoological Society of London, the zoo provides an opportunity to see large, naturalistic habitats inhabited by a great number of animals of different origins. Whether you are a wildlife lover or just a person searching for an entertaining day out with his/her family, Whipsnade Zoo guarantees a great time.
A Wealthy Past in Preservation
Whipsnade Zoo was established in 1931 with the aim of breeding and exhibiting animals and providing information on the protection of wildlife. It has since developed into one of the premier places for conservation, involved in breeding and other programs around the world for endangered species. Conservation is well implemented in the zoo through the well constructed enclosures that resemble the natural habitats of the animals kept there and also the good living conditions provided for the animals.
Explore the Wildlife
It has more than 3 800 animals of more than 200 species. From the largest land animal in the world – the African elephant to the cute and comical penguins, the animals that are found in Whipsnade Zoo are numerous and diverse. Here are some of the must-see attractions:Here are some of the must-see attractions:
The Asian Elephant Herd: Get up close with the giants of Whipsnade and learn about the largest inhabitants of the park, the Asian elephants. See these friendly giants at play and get to know how the zoo is helping to conserve them in their natural habitat.
Lions of the Serengeti: It is a great feeling to watch the African lions in an environment that is closely modeled to the Serengeti plains. This enclosure provides an opportunity to watch the lions when they are dozing off in the sun or when hunting.
The Penguin Pool: Another attraction that is very popular among tourists is the Penguin Pool where one can watch these cute animals dive and swim. It is always a great chance to know more about their behaviors and the problems they encounter in the natural environment.
The Butterfly House: Open a door and find yourself surrounded by stunning butterflies that are typical for tropical countries. The Butterfly House is a place full of bright and calm atmosphere where visitors can see butterflies of different types from different countries.
The Hullabazoo Farm: Ideal for children, the Hullabazoo Farm avails an opportunity for the kids to interact with friendly farm animals such as goats, pigs, and sheep. It is a practical session that involves the kids in learning about animals and how a farm operates.
Educational and Fun-Filled Activities
Thus, Whipsnade Zoo is not only a site where people can watch animals but also a place where they can learn and play. Daily there are talks, feeding sessions, and demonstrations which enable the visitors to learn about the animals, their habits, the efforts that are being made to protect the species and the efforts being taken to protect endangered species. One of the most famous educational programs is the “Zookeeper for a Day” which gives the participants a chance to work with the keepers and see how zookeepers work through the day.
Dining and Shopping
At the end of the day, the guests can take a break and have a meal in one of the cafes or restaurants located in the territory of the zoo. The Base Camp Restaurant is one of them which offers hot meals and the guests can watch the main lake of the zoo. If visitors want to buy something to remind them of the zoo, there are many items available for purchase such as stuffed animals, T-shirts and other items such as bags and water bottles which are environmentally friendly.
Plan Your Visit
Whipsnade Zoo is an all-year-round facility and has seasonal attractions and other activities to offer. It is recommended to visit the official website of the zoo to know about the timings, ticket price, and the new rules & regulation due to COVID-19. If you are visiting for the day or if you are taking an overnight stay, Whipsnade Zoo is a great place for all ages.
Looking for the Best Souvenir Shops in Whipsnade Zoo
It will be such a shame not to be able to take something from Whipsnade Zoo home with you. Whether it is a soft toy or an environmental friendly product, you are bound to find something that you would like to purchase at the zoo’s gift shop.
