Whipsnade Zoo, the biggest zoo in Great Britain, combines vast territories and the opportunity to see some of the most fascinating creatures of the Earth. Whipsnade Zoo is situated in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, a few miles north of London and is ideal for families, lovers of wildlife and any person who wants to get close to nature. This zoo is owned by the Zoological Society of London and occupies an area of 600 acres; it currently hosts over 3,500 animals among which are animals that are listed as endangered. Regardless of whether one is interested in the conservation programs of the park or just interested in a day in the countryside surrounded by animals, then Whipsnade Zoo is for you. Here are the features that make Whipsnade Zoo an interesting place to visit.
1. A Safari Experience: Get Familiar with the Large Estate
Another significant characteristic of Whipsnade Zoo is that the area of the zoo is very large and it is possible to drive through the territory of the zoo in a car, which is more like a safari park, but located in Great Britain. The cages in the zoo are very large and resemble the natural environment of the animals so that they can move around in large expanses of land.
The Great Whipsnade Railway: Ride on the Great Whipsnade Railway, a steam train that is used to give visitors a round trip tour of the zoo with a view of the animals in their natural habitats. Train ride is among the most interesting activities that the visitors will be privileged to enjoy as they tour the zoo and see animals such as the Asian elephants and the white rhinos among others.
Drive-Through Areas: For those who want to self-drive, there are various sections within Whipsnade Zoo that allows one to drive past and see animals such as bison, deer and Przewalski’s horses without having to leave the car. This aspect makes Whipsnade one of the few zoos in the United Kingdom where the visitors can have a taste of the safari.
Walking Trails: For those who like to walk, there are many pathways in the zoo, which are divided into different regions, for example, African savanna or Asian plain. It is possible to approach the animals and also to find out the species that are not very common in the region.
2. Meet the Animals: A Diverse Collection
Whipsnade Zoo is a zoo that houses a variety of animals from different parts of the world with emphasis on breeding animals that are on the verge of extinction. This is a clear indication that the zoo is very much concerned with the well being of animals and the conservation of endangered species.
Endangered Species: It is also an important centre for breeding of endangered species; the Amur tiger, the red panda and the Western chimpanzee which is on the brink of extinction. These programs are described and guests are informed about the need to conserve such species for the generations to come.
Elephant Herd: Among the zoo’s exhibits, there is a large group of Asian elephants that is most loved by visitors. The large area of the enclosure enables the elephants to move around and the tourists can see how they interact and what they do throughout the day. The zoo also has the elephant talks in which the keepers explain the problems that these great animals encounter in the wild.
Penguin Cove: At Penguin Cove, people can observe the Humboldt penguins in their water environment with different activities such as swimming, diving and feeding. The underwater observation platforms give a good view of these interesting birds and normal feeding sessions give an opportunity to find out more about the birds and their welfare.
3. Family-Friendly Activities: It is always fun to learn especially when the lessons are taught in a fun way.
Families will find Whipsnade Zoo a perfect place to visit since the park offers different activities that will help to entertain as well as educate people of all ages. Besides, games, touch and feel, and presentations, the zoo makes it possible for people to learn about wildlife in a fun way.
Hullabazoo Farm: Favoured by the young people, Hullabazoo Farm is an interactive area where kids can interact with the friendly farm animals. This makes it easy for kids to learn about domesticated animals and their use in agriculture and this is made easier by the availability of sheep, goats and pigs for touch and feel.
Keeper Talks and Animal Demonstrations: All day, the zoo offers a number of keeper talks and animal shows that give interesting information about the animals in the zoo. These sessions are informative and fun, where children get to learn about animals, their habitats, and the process of protecting them and the difficulties of working with exotic animals.
Play Areas: Whipsnade Zoo has several playgrounds for children to have fun and exhaust themselves before or after the animals’ shows. The Hullabazoo Adventure Play area has slides, climbing frames and water features and is ideal for children to play while parents watch.
4. Conservation and Sustainability: The following are the ways through which one can make a positive impact:
Whipsnade Zoo is a part of the Zoological Society of London and therefore it is very much involved in the issues of conservation and sustainability. It also has programs that go beyond the zoo’s confines, including conservation of wildlife and environmental conservation programs.
Conservation Breeding Programs: Conservation breeding is a common practice at Whipsnade Zoo and the animals are bred to help protect them and if possible, restore them back to their natural habitats. These programs are very important for species such as the scimitar-horned oryx which has been reintroduced in its natural environment in North Africa through the efforts of the zoo.
Sustainable Practices: Another goal of the zoo is also to minimize the ecological footprint of the zoo by practicing sustainability. The recycling programs as well as the energy efficient structures are some of the ways through which Whipsnade Zoo works for the welfare of the animals and the environment.
Educational Outreach: However, it is also engaged in off site programs where it takes conservation programs to schools and other community based organizations. The education team of the zoo collaborates with other stakeholders to ensure that children and young people are encouraged to become the future stewards of wildlife.
5. Planning Your Visit: Ten Golden Rules for a Great Day Out
If you want to get the best out of your visit to Whipsnade Zoo, then it is advisable to plan well in advance. Here are some tips that will make the experience a memorable one.
Arrive Early: Since there is always so much to see and do in the zoo, coming early enables you to tour the facility at your own pace. Begin your visit on the Great Whipsnade Railway or on the African Savannah trail to familiarize yourself with the layout of the zoo.
Pack a Picnic: Despite several cafes and restaurants available in the zoo, carrying your own food and drinks is another exciting way of saving your money. There are a lot of open spaces within the zoo that is perfect for a family picnic.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park occupies more than 600 acres of land and so, one needs to wear comfortable shoes. If you are hiking or if you are in the safari tracks then it is advisable that you prepare for a day of activities.
Check the Schedule: It is also important to note the daily timetable for keeper’s talks, feeding and other interactions with the animals. These events are educational in regard to the animals and are always a feature of the park.
Conclusion
This is a perfect place for families, people who love animals and anyone who is concerned about the future of wildlife. The fact that Whipsnade Zoo occupies a vast territory, houses a great number of animals, and is actively working on the issues of environmental conservation makes the visit to this place exciting, informative, and memorable. Whether you are walking through the zoo or taking the Great Whipsnade Railway, or engaging in any of the many activities that are on offer, a day at Whipsnade Zoo is one that you will always remember.
