History - 80 Big Years
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is 80 years young in 2011. While we celebrate our birthday, find out all about the amazing achievements of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo over the past 80 years...
Whipsnade in pictures
Take a look at our photo gallery of pictures of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo from the 1920s to today.
Did you know?
On opening 1931, Whipsnade's external car park was equipped with petrol pumps, a rain shelter and a refreshment kiosk.
Visitor information
Opening times | How to find us | Zoo map | Ticket prices | Parking & car admission | Online community
New to the Zoo? Information for first time visitors
With so much to see and do, a visit to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out in Bedfordshire for people of all ages.
Our Visitor Information page has all the information you need to plan your day.
The Beginning
A lot has changed since 1931 when ZSL Whipsnade Zoo opened its doors to the public 80 years ago.
Through the decades
Explore ZSL Whipsnade Zoo through the decades:
- Which giant furry favourites of ZSL London Zoo took shelter at Whipsnade during the war years?
- What animals did the Australian government donate to Whipsnade Zoo in the 1950s?
- When was the first Asian rhino born at Whipsnade, only the 3rd born in captivity?
Conservation: the future
ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Native wildlife has not been forgotten over the years. Common dormice, corncrake and barberry moth have all been breed over the years, and successfully released.
“Whipsnade Zoo, in its 80 years, has gone from strength to strength, acting as a focus point for education and raising awareness of the plight of some of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals."
David Field, Zoological Director
