Whipsnade Zoo is situated in the beautiful countryside of Bedfordshire, England and is one of the biggest wildlife conservation parks in Europe. Whipsnade is a park that is affiliated to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and is a place where animals are free to move about in large areas that are naturalistic in appearance, making the wildlife experience at the park very different from that of a traditional zoo.
A Rich Conservation History
Whipsnade Zoo was founded in 1931 and it was initially set up with a purpose of promoting conservation of wildlife and being a home to endangered species. In the decades it has grown into a sanctuary for animals from all over the world, specializing in breeding and then releasing the animals back into their natural habitat. Due to this commitment, the zoo has become a model in animal care and in the promotion of environmental conservation.
Explore the Expansive Grounds
Unlike most of the city-based zoos, Whipsnade has a vast area of 600 acres that ensures that animals are provided with spacious living conditions that are as close as possible to their natural conditions. It is a unique zoo where people can walk around, take a train ride on the zoo’s Jumbo Express steam train or even drive a car, thus making it a zoo for all. The large piece of land houses different species of animals including large mammals, beautiful birds and reptiles.
Meet the Animal Residents
Whipsnade Zoo has over 3,800 animals and many of them are some of the most famous animals in the world and some of the rarest animals in the world. Here are just a few of the remarkable animals you can encounter during your visit:
African Elephants
Some of the animals that are famous in Whipsnade Zoo include African elephants. These large animals are free to roam in a spacious, natural environment where they can graze and take mud baths. The zoo’s elephants are treated according to one of the best programs in the world, which considers not only their physical, but also their psychological state.
Amur Tigers
Among the attractions of a visit to Whipsnade, one can mention the opportunity to observe the Amur tigers that are one of the most endangered tiger subspecies. These powerful predators have a well-planned environment, which is rich in vegetation, rocks, and pools, which gives them the closest environment to their natural habitats in the Russian Far East.
White Rhinos
It is also possible to see a group of white rhinos, another species that was close to extinction but was saved by conservationists from all over the world. These prehistoric-looking animals can be watched feeding in their large, grassy field which is the home to these animals.
Asian Lions
The Asian lion is an endangered species of animal and the population of this animal is very limited in the wild. Whipsnade Zoo is an important participant in the breeding program of these magnificent animals in Europe. The lion enclosure at the zoo is built in such a way that it mimics the natural environment thus giving the visitors a glimpse of how the majestic lions live and survive.
Humboldt Penguins
If you want to have a more fun experience, visit the penguin pool where you can observe the active Humboldt penguins frolic in water, dive and waddle in their exhibit. These fascinating birds are found in the coastal regions of South America and the enclosure at Whipsnade has both land and water facilities so that the birds can exhibit their natural behaviour patterns.
Conservation and Education
As it has been established, Whipsnade Zoo is not only a place where people can go to watch animals but also a place where animals are preserved and people are educated on how to preserve them. The staff at the zoo is always striving to save species by breeding them, preserving their natural environment and studying them. Also, there are educational programs and activities that are provided in the zoo to encourage young and old to develop interest in wildlife and its conservation.
Plan Your Visit
Whipsnade Zoo is not just a place to visit and have fun for a day but it is a place where people can learn about the animals and the need to conserve them. Whether you are a family who wants to spend a day outside the city, a wildlife lover who wants to see unusual animals or a teacher who is searching for an interesting material for a class – Whipsnade Zoo will not leave you indifferent.
Therefore, put on your comfortable shoes, carry your camera and be prepared to be captivated as you explore the wilderness at Whipsnade Zoo.
