Lions of the Serengeti

This exhibit provides unique and intriguing views of our pride of African lions, and gives our visitors the chance to stand just inches away from these majestic animals – a truly unforgettable experience.

Intrepid visitors can experience the sights and sounds of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park in the heart of Bedfordshire, where they will follow a village trail visiting a traditional Maasai dwelling and goat enclosure (boma) on the way to the lion viewing area. They will also be able to learn how herders share the environment with this awe inspiring king of the beasts.

Our innovative viewing area offers uninterrupted views of our pride roaming the plains of Whipsnade, through three metre high floor to ceiling viewing windows. We have even constructed a 'kopje' or sculpted mound in front of the windows, which is likely to prove a favourite haunt of the lions, allowing a real close encounter with the pride of Whipsnade!

We have also included special feeding and demonstration areas where keepers will undertake their daily routines to ensure that as well as watching the lions up close, visitors will be able to hear them roar and even smell them! All in all, a truly sensory experience which introduces visitors to some of the complexities of practical conservation in this East African region.

Lions of the Serengeti - facts

• Our pride currently consists of one three year old male, and he is joined by three females who are between three and four years old
• Lions were last resident at Whipsnade in 1998
• Although some populations of African lions are in decline in the wild they are not as endangered as the Asian lion which is kept at London Zoo
• At Whipsnade the male and his pride will act as a flagship for ZSL's Tanzania Carnivore Centre which works to protect all species of carnivore in the region.

This exhibit is the first at Whipsnade to be closely tied to the work of the Institute of Zoology via its Tanzania Carnivore Programme.

The Tanzania Carnivore Programme aims to enable Tanzanians to ensure that lions, cheetahs and wild dogs continue to roam wild in Tanzania.