Visitor Information

Our zoos are safely open and ready for your visit

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We want everyone visiting our zoos to enjoy a great experience, and we understand that some visitors may still be concerned about how we are continuing to play our part in keeping everyone safe and healthy.

Members, Patrons and Fellows do not need to pre-book Zoo tickets.

However, all other visitors will still need to pre-book tickets online in advance - the exception being if you're visiting with a Blue Peter Badge (accompanying adult tickets must be purchased at the Zoo entrance rather than online). 

Although no longer a requirement for a general visit, visitors can continue wearing masks when inside our retail and catering spaces, indoor exhibits, and walkthroughs if they wish to do so.

And of course, our handwashing and sanitiser stations will remain available across the zoos.

What do I need to know about visiting your Zoos?

  • Can I visit ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos?

Yes, day visitors will need to pre-book tickets online. Visitors will select a date to visit and are granted entry any time after their selected time up to one hour before we close. Members and Fellows no longer need to pre-book Zoo tickets.

  • Will the Zoos be very busy with lots of queues?

We still manage the number of tickets on sale each day so that we can control numbers and ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable day. We are also quickly scanning visitors on arrival to avoid big queues at the entrances.

  •  Are all the exhibits open?

Yes all our indoor enclosures at both our Zoos have now safely reopened.

  • How long can I stay at the zoo?

There is no time limit on your visit.

  • Are the play areas open?

Yes! Play areas at both sites are safely open. If you're looking to visit our Hullabazoo indoor play area, you'll just need to book a spot the night before you go.

Book for Hullabazoo indoor play

  • Can I make purchases on-site using cash?

We are encouraging visitors to use contactless payments, not cash. With the contactless limit having been increased, there is also limited need for PIN entry and your payment can remain contactless.

  • Can I bring my own food and drink? And where can I eat it?

Yes, you can bring your own food. There are open-air picnic areas at both Zoos and outdoor tables. We kindly ask everyone, whether bringing their own food or buying food on site, to help our staff and please dispose of all waste in bins provided.

  • Will you be running talks and demonstrations?

Yes, talks are now up and running again - please check our Daily Talks boards on entry to be in the know on what's happening on the day of your visit.

  • What about animal experiences like ‘Meet the Animals’ or overnight stays in the Lodges?

Experiences are available to book in advance - please see the Experiences section of the website for the latest details.

  • Are the Zoos still accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, both Zoos are still fully accessible. Find out more about accessibility at ZSL Whipsnade and London Zoos.

  • Will I still be able to hire a wheelchair?

Yes, both Zoos will still have wheelchairs for hire which will be cleaned after each use.

 

How do I book tickets?

  • Can I buy my ticket on arrival at the Zoo?

No, all tickets must be purchased in advance, even if you do so on your phone on the way to the Zoo. This is essential so that we can safely monitor the number of people visiting each day. Members, Fellows and Patrons no longer need to pre-book Zoo tickets.

  • I booked a ticket but now I cannot come on that day, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a refund if you are now unable to visit. If you need to self-isolate, or feel uncomfortable visiting at the moment, please contact us and we'll be happy to reschedule for you.

For London Zoo click here

For Whipsnade Zoo click here

  • Do under-3s also need a ticket?

Yes, in order for us to manage capacities within the Zoos, everybody will need a pre-booked ticket including under 3s. The under-3 ticket remains free.

  • I am a Member, Fellow or Patron - how do I pre-book a ticket?

All Members, Fellows and Patrons no longer need not book at all. Should there be a future need to make changes to these arrangements, we’ll update our website and let our Members, Fellows and Patrons know as soon as we can.

  • How do I redeem my flexi ticket?

Your flexi/bulk voucher alone is not valid for entry to the Zoo. It must be exchanged in advance for a dated Zoo ticket. When you know which day you’d like to visit, simply go to zsl.org/BookTickets and choose the Zoo your ticket is valid for. Enter your flexi voucher number at the start of the booking process.  Select the date and time you wish to visit and your flexi tickets will then appear on the ticket selection page. Select your tickets and then proceed through the rest of the ticket journey.

Please note: if you have multiple flexi ticket codes, then you will need to redeem these codes individually in separate transactions. We apologise for the inconvenience whilst we transition between ticketing systems.

  • Are any of the promotions that ran before your lockdown closures still valid?

So that we can manage our visitor numbers effectively and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we decided to stop most of our pre-COVID promotions. We are now re-instigating a small number of promotions including granting free entry for Blue Peter Badge holders and issuing new codes for the National Rail 241 offer.

A child, aged 6 - 15 years, who produces a valid Blue Peter badge card at the gate will be given free entry when accompanied by a full paying adult. One full paying adult will be required for each qualifying child and the adult ticket must be purchased upon arrival at the Zoo.

  • What about tickets for essential carers? I don’t see them online…

Free admission for an essential carer is still available when visiting with a visitor with additional needs. This will be managed on the gate upon arrival.

  • Can I upgrade my Zoo ticket to become a member?

Yes! You can upgrade your Zoo ticket to membership within 14 days of your visit and only pay the difference! Find out more at www.zsl.org/membership.

I'm a Member, Fellow or Patron - what does this all mean for me?

  • Do I need to pre-book a ticket to visit?

Members, Fellows and Patrons no longer need to pre-book Zoo tickets. You can now visit the Zoo by showing your membership card - or temporary slip for new members - at the Zoo entrance on the day you would like to visit. 

  • Can I use my half price/complimentary tickets at the moment?

We’re pleased to let you know that Members and Fellows are able to use their half price Zoo tickets again for all days. Patrons' complimentary tickets can be used on any date.

All half-price and complimentary tickets must be redeemed online. Find out more here.

  • As a Fellow, can I still bring in a family guest with me for free?

As a Fellow, you are still able to bring a family guest into the Zoo with you, and no longer need to pre-book this. 

  • I am a Patron, can I still sign in family guests for free? 

The Primary Patron (the one with the red card) can sign in two family guests each visit by showing their Patron card or welcome letter.  Patrons must accompany their family guests to gain admission.  If you are unsure of who your Primary Patron is, please contact us at patrons@zsl.org. 

  • I’m a new Member, Fellow or Patron, how can I pick up my membership card?

The membership desks at both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo are open – staffing levels permitting – to take your photos and print your membership cards. However, if there is a queue or if you would prefer to pick up your cards another time, please check back later and use your temporary membership slip to gain entry to the Zoo.

  • I want to do more to help. What can I do?

We need every bit of help we can get so we can bounce back after the financial impact of the Covid pandemic. Renewing your membership or a donation, of any size would make all the difference. You can donate online at donate.zsl.org.

Can I book a school visit?

Schools can now book for a visit. To enquire about a visit, please select which zoo you'd like to visit, below:

Enquire about an education visit for LONDON ZOO
Enquire about an education for WHIPSNADE ZOO

If you have any questions please email learning@zsl.org .
 

Can I visit the ZSL library?

ZSL Library is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only.  Please email us or visit the Library page for more information.

Treat your loved ones and support us, with a purchase from our online shop!

We are still bustling away behind the scenes and packaging up everything an animal-lover could possibly desire, from animal adoptions to pangolin pyjamas and everything in between. Gold Members, Patrons and Fellows even get a whopping 10% off.

So head on over to shop.zsl.org and grab yourself a gift with a difference!

SHOP NOW

 

Can I book a birthday party or wedding?

Yes, we are now offering venues for hire. Please do email us if you're interested in a booking, one of the team will get back to you as soon as we can.

I have another question that isn't answered here, how can I get in touch?

All answers to our most frequently asked questions can be found 24 hours a day: 

London Zoo FAQs here

Whipsnade Zoo FAQs here

Please contact us on the details below if you have any questions that have not been answered in our FAQs

Tiger at London Zoo - please donate

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Photo - Close-up photo of a baby pangolin approaching the camera

World Pangolin Day

Come along and learn how ZSL is working to conserve the world’s only scaly mammals. Have you booked your Zoo ticket yet?

Find out more