Frequently Asked Questions

• What are your opening times?

For ZSL London Zoo - Our opening times vary throughout the year - view the full list here. 

For ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Our opening times vary throughout the year - find out more here. 

• How much are tickets to the Zoos?

Our ticket prices vary at each Zoo and throughout the year, you can see the prices on our booking page.

• Can I buy tickets when I arrive?

No, we ask that you book your tickets in advance of your visit to help us manage numbers, for the time being.

• I have tickets booked for certain day – can I change the date we use them?

Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable as per our T's & C’s so pre-booked tickets are only valid on the specified date.

For enquiries relating to London Zoo bookings, click here 

For enquiries relating to Whipsnade Zoo bookings, click here 

• I am bringing children with me who are under three. Do I need to pay for them?

Children under the age of 3 years are entitled to free entry to both of our Zoos. Please ensure you book a ticket for them when you book yours so that we know how many visitors to expect.

• I have a London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass – can I get in free? (ZSL London Zoo only)

London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass holders simply need to arrive at the Zoo and present their pass to ZSL Admissions staff.

• How do I use National Rail’s 241 offer? (ZSL London Zoo only)

National Rail’s 241 offer permits 1 person free of charge into London Zoo (minimum of 2 visitors required). This offer requires 2 valid national rail tickets and the cheapest, if applicable, of the two visitors goes free. Visitors must pre-book their 241 entry tickets, here. 

• How do I redeem my BuyAGift voucher?

We are now accepting BuyAGift and Red Letter Days vouchers.

To book your Zoo visit, please send an email to generalenquiries@zsl.org with the following information:

- Full name
- Full postal address
- Email address
- Zoo location
- Contact number
- Date of trip
- Voucher number

• How do I redeem my Leisure Voucher?

We no longer accept Leisure Vouchers.

• How can I use my Tesco Clubcard points? Do you still accept Tesco paper vouchers?

We are no longer participating in this promotion.

• Can I use my Blue Peter badge to obtain free entry? What do I need to show for this?

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.

• Do you sell a family ticket?

We do not have a family ticket available as part of our standard ticketing. We may occasionally offer a family ticket as a promotion, either available through zsl.org or a third party seller. Only tickets purchased through zsl.org can be redeemed against a membership upgrade. ZSL general terms and conditions apply to all family tickets regardless of where they are purchased.

• Can I make a group booking?

Yes. If you want to book for a group of 15 or more people you can either book and pay now through the website or you can contact our groups team at groups@seetickets.com for more information and to book.

• Can I store my luggage when I visit?

Find out more about our self-service lockers at ZSL London Zoo

We do not currently have self-service lockers for hire at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

• Can you hire wheelchairs?

Yes, wheelchairs are available for hire from both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on a first come, first served, basis. Alternatively, you call ahead and reserve one of our wheelchairs in advance via 0344 225 1826. You’ll need to pay a £25 deposit when hiring a wheelchair, but this will be refunded after the wheelchair is returned to Zoo staff undamaged.

Alternatively, a mobility scooter is available on a first come, first served basis for a charge of £20 plus a refundable deposit of £30. 

• Can you hire pushchairs?

At both of our Zoos, pushchairs are available to hire from the gift shop. The single buggies are £10 to hire and we take a £15 refundable deposit. The double buggies are £15 to hire and we take a £15 refundable deposit. 

• Can you hire trikes?

At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Micro Trikes are available to hire for toddlers from the gift shop for just £10 (£15 refundable deposit applies). It isn't currently possible to hire trikes at ZSL London Zoo. 

• Do you offer a discount for students?

If you are a UK or international student then you will be entitled to our concession rate ticket, please remember to bring any valid ID with you that shows you are a student, with your pre-booked ticket on arrival, to guarantee entry.

• I have a disability. What tickets do I buy?

Adult and child guests who are registered disabled are entitled to our disabled adult or child ticket rates. An essential carer enters free with each ticket. To collect the essential carer ticket, please make sure you bring along your supporting documents that shows you require a carer as well as a copy of your ticket that you have purchased in advance. These may include the following:

• Disability Allowance Letter
• PIP letter
• Freedom pass
• Any other appropriate supporting documentation as issued by your local authority

• Can I bring a guide dog into the Zoo?

Assistance dogs are not permitted at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. At ZSL London Zoo, assistance dogs are permitted within certain criteria. Please see London Zoo's accessibility page for more information.

• Do you do discounts for NHS and military staff?

Unfortunately we do not currently offer any military or NHS discount.

• Are there accessible facilities available at your Zoos?

We work hard to ensure both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are accessible for all visitors. Please see more information about accessibility at ZSL London Zoo here, and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo here.

• The tickets say my name on, can anyone use them?

This will not affect entry for the person using the ticket.  The name of the purchaser will always be on the ticket when processed; however this can be different to the person using the ticket as long as they have it with them on arrival. If you are a member and you have pre-booked a slot, you are not able to transfer this ticket to anyone else.

• Do I need to print my tickets?

As long as you have purchased your tickets directly from ZSL via our website or phone line, you do not need to print your tickets; they will be accepted when displayed on smart devices such as phones or tablets.  Simply download your tickets and present the relevant barcodes to a member of our admissions team on arrival.

• Can I buy tickets and Experiences as a gift? 

We do offer gift vouchers for our experiences; when these are purchased you will receive a voucher by email.  The vouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase during which time it will need to have been booked and redeemed.

We also offer flexi ticket vouchers which are open-ended tickets valid for a single visit within 1 year.

• Is ZSL part of Merlin?

ZSL is not under the Merlin Group; therefore we do not accept Merlin passes. Our Zoos are part of ZSL, a global science-led conservation charity and so for those wishing to support us whilst enjoying the benefit of entry to both our Zoos, we do offer annual memberships.  For more information, please visit our membership page.

• Where can I buy food at the Zoo?

We have a variety of pop-up outdoor food outlets at both London and Whipsnade that offer a selection of food options,

• Can you bring a picnic into the Zoo?

You are welcome to bring your own picnics and we provide picnic tables around both of our sites for you to use.

• Where can I park my car?

ZSL London Zoo

Parking is available in the Zoo’s Gloucester Slips car park at a cost of £14.50, payable on the day. We are outside the London Congestion Charging Zone. Parking is also available on Outer Circle just by the zoo and at car parks in the local area. Please see parking information for more details.

Please note, London Zoo’s car park will be closed from Tuesday 22 November – Friday 2 December 2022 as it is being used for Metropolitan Police operations. Thank you for your understanding.
 

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has a large, free car park just outside the zoo.

• Do your car parks have height restrictions?

No, neither the car park at ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have height restrictions.

• When do the car parks open/close?

The car park at ZSL London Zoo is open from 9am while, the car park at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is open from 8am, with each car park closing roughly an hour after the Zoo closes.

• Are all animals on show?

Your great day out is of paramount importance to us. However, so is the welfare of our animals and on occasions, we may have some important care that we need to do for our animals, that requires them to remain off show.

• Are any of the enclosures closed in the winter months?

Some of our animals do like to stay indoors when it is a bit colder or wet outside and as such, we have indoor viewing areas for most of our enclosures.

• How do I report lost property?

To report a lost item at ZSL London Zoo, please fill out our lost property log, and one of the team will get back to you if it's been found.

To report a lost item at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, please fill out our lost property log, and one of the team will get back to you if it’s been found.

• What is ZSL?

ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international conservation charity.  Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this.  From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world.  Inspiring, informing, empowering - working for wildlife.  Find out more about ZSL.

• My preferred experience is booked up, do you have a waiting list?

Unfortunately we do not hold a waiting list for our experiences. If we do get cancellations, the tickets will be re-released for public sale. Please check the website to keep an eye on updates, call us on 0344 225 1826 or email us.

• How many people can stay in on an overnight lodge experience?

Our lodges, both Lookout Lodges at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo Lodges, are designed to sleep a maximum of two adults and two children aged between five and 13 years. Any child over the age 13 will classify as an adult.
 

• Why can’t I have more than 2 adults in 1 lodge?

This is due to the sizing of the sofa bed. The sofa bed is small and only designed for children aged 5-13 years. We can only cater to a maximum of two adults and two children between the ages of five and 13 (or 1 adult and 3 children) in each lodge.

• Are the lodges Wheelchair Accessible?

ZSL London Zoo has one lodge which is fully-accessible for wheelchairs. This lodge has two zip lock twin beds (can be converted to a double) and an accessible en-suite with shower. It can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults (or 1 adult and 1 child) and 1 additional child, due to the size of the sofa bed. 
  
Lookout Lodges at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have a double and a twin lodge that has level access for wheelchair users, who are able to bring along a carer and we have a disabled toilet a short walk from the lodge area available, but no wheelchair-accessible shower. These can be booked online by selecting the wheelchair user option  .
Please call us on 0344 225 1826 or email us to advise us of any specific requirements that you may have. Please note that if no wheelchair user option is displayed, this indicates that we have sold our accessible lodges already. 

 

• Do you offer concession tickets for overnight lodge experiences?

We do offer a single occupancy rate for those who wish to stay in a lodge on their own. Single occupancy or disabled guests attending with a carer are entitled to a 30% discount on the full-paying price of two guests. This can be booked online by selecting the relevant ticket type. 

• What are the age restrictions on the lodges?

On adult only nights, guests aged 14 years and over, are welcome to attend with an accompanying adult. The accompanying adult must be over the age of 18.
On family nights, children aged 5 - 13 are welcome to attend and must be staying in a lodge with an accompanying adult. Children under 5 are not able to attend.
Each lodge can accommodate 2 adults, or 1 adult and 1 child, plus a maximum of 2 additional children. The accessible lodge can accommodate 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child, plus a maximum of 1 additional child. The additional child will sleep on a pull-out sofa bed and must be aged between 5 and 13 years of age.
Young adults aged 14-17 years are welcome to stay in a lodge on their own but must have an accompanying adult aged over 18 years old staying in an adjacent lodge on the same night.

• What is the age restriction on the Junior Keeper for a Day experience?

Participants must be aged between 11-15 years old at the time that they participate in the experience. People over the age of 16 years old can participate on our Adult Keeper for a Day programme.

• What are the age restrictions on Meet the Animals?

We have several different Meet the Animals experiences across both our Zoos and the age restrictions vary depending on the experience. Please visit our ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos experience pages for more details. However, any child under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18, to take part in the experience

• Can my carer take part in the experience?

All guests who are registered disabled will be entitled to have a free carer accompany them during the experience. They will not be able to take part in the experience but will be there for your support.

• How far in advance do I need to book an experience?

All of our experiences are very popular and can get booked up far in advance. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

• Do you have ZSL Member discount on experiences?

We offer 10% discount to ZSL Gold Members on all experiences booked directly with us, on your chosen date, subject to availability. This discount does not apply to open-ended vouchers.

• Can I change the date on my experience voucher?

A full refund will be made on open-ended vouchers, providing a date has not been booked and the voucher has more than three months until expiry.
Once a date has been booked for Keeper for a Day (adult and Junior), Photography workshops, ZSL London Zoo Lodges and Lookout Lodge, a full refund or date change can be provided as long as it is a minimum of 2 months before the date of the experience.

Once a date has been booked for BedBUGS sleepovers, Camping Experiences, Friendly Spider Programme or Meet the Animals experiences, a full refund or date change can be provided as long as it is a minimum of 14 days before the date of the experience. After this time, only exceptional circumstances will be considered for date changes, extensions or refunds. 
All refunds are made to the card that the experience was purchased with. The participant’s name can be exchanged providing ZSL is given a minimum of seven days’ notice. If the person who arrives does not match the name provided on our records they will not be granted admittance to the experience.

 

• What animals do you get to interact with on Keeper for a Day?

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Some of the animals you may be working with on the day include: elephants, rhinos, giraffes and others which could include lions, tigers, wild dogs, sloth bears, lemurs, meerkats, penguins or otters.

The programme may be altered on any given day due to animal welfare or health issues or a change to the Zoo's animal collection, but ZSL will ensure that in these instances, the activity will be replaced with another similar task.
 

How can I buy Membership?

You can buy your Membership on our website, via email at membership@zsl.org, on the phone by calling our friendly Supporter Contact team on 0344 225 1826 if you prefer to pay by card. To purchase our 20% discounted Direct Debit Memberships, we encourage you to purchase online as the quickest and easiest way to become part of the ZSL family.

How are Gold and Silver Membership different?

Silver members will enjoy free access to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos and receive exclusive digital communications keeping you up to date with the latest news from the Zoos.

As well as one year of free entry to our Zoos and exclusive communications, Gold members will also enjoy:

• 10% off in ZSL Zoo shops and restaurants
• 10% off in the ZSL online shop 
• 10% off our animal experiences at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos 
• Priority booking and discounts on selected events
• Exclusive daily Hullabazoo Indoor Play session (*) 
• 50% off car entry at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
• Discount on the Great Whipsnade Railway 
• Exclusive member updates
• Free off-peak parking at ZSL London Zoo (**)

(*) The first Hullabazoo Indoor Play session of the day (10.30-11.00) is reserved for Gold members. Spaces are limited and subject to conditions.
(**) At ZSL London Zoo, parking is free for Gold members in conjunction with Zoo visits from 10AM Monday - Friday, excl. weekends, bank holidays and school holidays.

External parking at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is always free.

How much does Membership cost? 

You can save 20% if you pay by annual Direct Debit. Please find a full price overview below: 

 

Can I mix and match Gold and Silver Membership packages for my family? 

It is not possible for members of the same household to have different levels of Membership at ZSL, in order that we can provide the best service to our members and fairly deliver on the differing benefits for our Gold and Silver members. 

To buy joint or family Membership, do we have to live at the same address? 

Yes, members need to be living at the same address. This is to allow us to claim Gift Aid on your Membership fee. 

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid allows charities like us to reclaim tax from the government on your ZSL Membership through the Gift Aid scheme. Gift Aid enables us to claim an additional 25p for every £1 you spend, at no extra cost to you. However, Gift Aid can’t be claimed on behalf of someone else, because it’s considered a gift to the person whose Membership is paid, not to the charity. It’s possible for spouses, civil partners and other persons living together to make a ‘joint’ declaration on the same form.  

Do Single Child members (and under threes) get the same benefits?

Single Child members, and those under the age of three, share the same benefits as the adult member they are visiting the Zoo with that day. 

Can I pay for my Membership using a monthly Direct Debit?

We don’t offer to pay for Membership by monthly Direct Debit. The payment is an annual Direct Debit; payment is taken in the same month your Membership renews each year.

I’ve just signed up to become a member, when can I visit the Zoo?

Members can currently visit during our Zoos' opening hours without the need to pre-book.

How do I get my Membership card?

On your first visit to the Zoo, please present your confirmation email or letter on arrival. You will be directed to our Membership Kiosk or Desk where we will take your photo and issue you with a card. Please ensure you bring a form of photo ID with you.

What day does my Membership start from?

Your membership starts from the date of purchase. Gift Memberships start from the day of voucher activation.

Can I buy Membership as a gift?

Yes, you can find out more about Membership as a gift here, on the phone by calling 0344 225 1826 or at our Membership Desks or Kiosk at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos. All Gift Memberships enjoy Gold Member benefits! Please note there’s no Direct Debit payment option available for these.

I’ve just visited, how can I become a Member?

You can upgrade tickets purchased via ZSL and SEE Tickets (except for promotional offers) against Membership within 14 days of your visit. You can use your entry tickets to upgrade against the equivalent membership package and only pay the remaining difference.

If you have just visited one of our Zoos and would like to become a member, simply complete this form or call our Supporter Contact team on 0344 225 1826

If I come to the Zoo to visit, can I buy a Membership on arrival instead of an entry ticket?

At both ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, membership can be purchased at our Membership Desk, but the quickest way is to purchase membership online.

Who can use my Membership?

Membership is for use by the named holder only, and is not transferable under any circumstances. Any misuse of a Membership card will result in it being indefinitely confiscated with no refund. A card cannot be given away, sold or transferred. Membership card photocopies are not valid. Please ensure you bring your Membership card along for each visit, as this is your entry ticket to the Zoos.

I’ve lost my Membership card, can I get a new one?

We can replace your card for a charge of £5. If your card has been stolen, please contact our Supporter Contact team on 0344 225 1826 and provide us with your crime reference number and we will replace your card free of charge.

Can I change my Membership once it’s already started? Can I add more members?

Please call us on 0344 225 1826 and we can take a pro-rata payment to upgrade to Gold or to add new members to your Membership until it expires.

Can I downgrade from Gold to Silver Membership once it’s already started?

Once your Membership year is completed, should you wish to renew your Membership, you will be able to choose to continue receiving Gold-level benefits, or switch to entry-only Silver Membership.

My child turned 3 or 16, what do I need to do?

Please call us on 0344 225 1826 and our Supporter Contact team will add your child onto the Membership for a pro-rata rate until the expiry of the Membership. The pro-rata child rate starts on the day you add the child to the Membership until the expiry date. This might change your Membership into a family package. If your Membership is due to renew and your child has turned 3 or 16, we will amend the package to reflect that and include the new details in your renewal notification.

I have a disability. What Membership do I buy?

Adult members who are registered disabled are entitled to our concession Membership rates. At ZSL London Zoo, an essential carer enters free with each disabled member. At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, each disabled member is eligible for free car entry or free carer entry. Please make sure you bring along your supporting documents that shows you require a carer on your first visit. These may include the following:

• Disability Allowance Letter
• PIP letter
• Freedom pass
• Any other appropriate supporting documentation as issued by your local authority

As a Gold member renewing my Membership, what do I receive?

Besides all your Gold membership benefits, upon renewing your Gold Membership on Direct Debit you'll also automatically receive two half price Zoo tickets per member to either ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to use within your membership year. If you have had a gap on your Membership when you restart it, it’s treated as a new Membership. Find out how to redeem your half-price zoo tickets here.

Please note, while we have social distancing measures in place and have to strictly limit the number of visitors at the Zoos, you will not be able to redeem your half price tickets during peak times. We will review this in due course, thank you for your understanding. Find out more here.

How can I get a discount on experiences?

Gold members, Fellows and Patrons are entitled to 10% discount on ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoo animal experiences. To access your experience discount online, simply insert the membership CRM ID of the primary member into the Offer Code box on the experience booking pages.

Who is the primary member on my membership? 

If the purchaser of the membership is on your membership, please input the membership CRM ID of the purchaser. You can find your membership CRM ID on your membership card – it's the up to 7-digit number on the back. Should that ID return an error message, it might not be the correct ID, in which case we’re encouraging you to try the CRM ID of other members of your membership.

How do I book on to a Gold Member Hullabazoo Play Session?

Gold members have exclusive access to Hullabazoo Indoor Play at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo every day from 10:30 to 11:10am. Pre-booking is required online, and tickets released one day in advance. 

How can I cancel my membership?

We’ll be very sad to see you go and hope that you’ll reconsider remaining a member – being part of the ZSL member community means that you’re part of a group of people who love animals, and love making a difference for them. If your Membership year is coming to an end and your mind is made up, please contact our Supporter Contact team on 0344 225 1826. 

• What does the purchaser receive?

The purchaser of the adoption will receive an email confirmation which should appear in their inbox shortly after the purchase has been made. If the purchaser has not received this email please contact us at  shop@zsl.org so we can check whether your order has been successful.

The purchaser may choose to provide their address as the nominated delivery address. Animal Adoption packs are sent out within 1 - 2 working days.

• What should I do if I want to adopt an animal which you no longer offer for adoption?

We would hope that even though you can not adopt your preferred animal you would still choose to support ZSL and we would encourage you to make a donation instead by visiting our donation page . Your donation will not go directly to your preferred animal but it will help us to continue the important work that ZSL does in over 50 countries around the world, as well as help towards the running costs of both ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

• I am planning on visiting the zoo, will my adopted animal be on-show?

We hope that all of the animals in the adoption scheme are on-show everyday however we can not make any guarantees. Our animals are sometimes visited by our Veterinary team at short notice so they may be off-show or we may have some maintenance work taking place which means that their enclosure may be closed or obscured.

• Can I purchase a corporate adoption rather than one for an individual?

The adoption packs are designed as individual gifts only. If you are interested in a corporate adoption or sponsorship of an animal, please contact George Eracleous, Head of Corporate Partnerships.

• Any other questions about adoptions?

If you have a question which is not covered in this list, please email generalenquiries@zsl.org and we will respond as soon as we can. If your enquiry is urgent please call 0344 225 1826 or visit our ZSL Adoption Centre.