Park Status – Open
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, or more commonly known simply as Whipsnade Zoo, is a visually stunning wildlife attraction, set in tranquil countryside. It is one of the nation’s biggest and most popular zoos. It is different to many other zoos, as you are allowed to drive through it, in a way similar to African safari parks. There are many car-parks dotted around the grounds and one drive-through enclosure, called Passage Through Asia.
The first animal exhibits you should come across while in the zoo are the chimpanzees and the walk-through lemur enclosure. On the other side of the zoo, there is a walkway leading to the Grizzly Bear Pit, one of the oldest enclosures in the zoo. If you follow the path to the hill-top, you’ll find the Penguin Pool. Further along, you can see the large herd of American bison. They have a massive hill-side to graze, and can even be seen from the outside of the park.
If you walk back down to the chimpanzees, you’ll find yourself in Wolf Wood, which neighbours the European bison enclosure.
If you carry on walking, or alternatively driving, you will find the massive Giraffe Paddock, which is home to four giraffes and a pair of shy okapis. Neighbouring this is the rhino enclosure, which the grey rhinos share with bongos.
Around the corner and across from the rhino enclosure is a newer exhibit of zebras. Slightly above the zebra, are a pride of African lions. They can be accessed through their very own themed viewing point. There is also a group of meerkats on look-out nearby!
Close to the lions enclosure there is also the Hippo House. Whipsnade is one of the only zoos in the world to house both the larger common hippos and the smaller pygmy hippos comfortably.
Further down the road, there is a cheetah enclosure. This is their new enclosure; they used to be kept nearer the entrance of the park. Further along, there is Passage Through Asia, the only drive-through only section of the zoo. It is massive in terms of space, covering three whole acres. Some animals on view on this enclosure include blackbuck, camels and yak!
This half of the zoo is arguably the Asian area, but if you turn to the left you will find yourself near the sealion pool. The sealion pool is currently being upgraded, so unfortunately sealion shows don’t run for the time being. Nearby is also the tropical house and the aviary, home to the park’s reptiles and birds.
Carrying on from nearby the Passage Through Asia is the zoo’s tiger exhibit. This is home to the park’s Siberian tigers, a very rare tiger species. Close by are also the park’s sloth bears, who used to live in London Zoo and generations have been breeding within the UK for decades. The zoo has plans to turn their enclosure into a rocky mountain themed base, to simulate their natural habitat.
Around the corner is the exhibit that houses two of Asia’s biggest mammals, Javan rhinos and Asian elephants. They each have purposely built houses, and are great hits with guests!
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos in the United Kingdom, and makes for a great day out for everyone!
