Whipsnade Zoo, located in Bedfordshire, England, is the largest zoo in the United Kingdom, covering an impressive area of 600 acres (2.4 km²). As one of the two zoos owned by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a leading conservation charity, Whipsnade Zoo is a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Expansive Size of Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo’s vast size of 600 acres (2.4 km²) makes it the largest zoo in the UK, dwarfing other popular zoos like London Zoo, which covers just 36 acres (0.15 km²). This expansive area allows the zoo to provide spacious and naturalistic habitats for its diverse collection of over 3,600 animals, many of which are endangered species.
Exploring Whipsnade Zoo
Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo have several options for exploring the vast grounds. They can choose to walk between the various animal enclosures, or take a ride on the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge Great Whipsnade Railway, also known as the “Jumbo Express.” This unique mode of transportation allows visitors to cover more ground and see more of the zoo’s impressive exhibits.
Diverse Animal Exhibits
Whipsnade Zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species, including many that are endangered in the wild. The zoo features several notable exhibits, such as:
- Butterfly House: Opened in 2016, this exhibit is home to a variety of butterfly species and dwarf crocodiles.
- Passage Through Asia: A large paddock with no boundaries between visitors and the animals, featuring herds of Bactrian camels, barasingha, fallow deer, sika deer, Père David’s deer, and yaks.
- Lions of the Serengeti: This exhibit was previously home to a pride of 7 African lions until October 2021, when the remaining lions were euthanized due to age-related conditions. In 2022, the zoo temporarily housed lions from other zoos.
Conservation Efforts
Whipsnade Zoo is more than just a place for visitors to enjoy the animals; it is also a vital part of the Zoological Society of London’s global conservation efforts. Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps fund the charity’s work to restore habitats and protect wildlife around the world.
Visitor Information
Whipsnade Zoo offers various ticketing options, including online booking, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing tickets at the gate. The zoo also offers membership packages, providing unlimited entry to both Whipsnade and London Zoo throughout the year, as well as special insider updates.
Conclusion
Whipsnade Zoo’s impressive size of 600 acres (2.4 km²) makes it the largest zoo in the UK, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. With its diverse animal exhibits, conservation efforts, and various transportation options, Whipsnade Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature.
References:
– BIAZA – ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
– Whipsnade Zoo – Plan Your Visit
– Whipsnade Zoo on TripAdvisor
– Whipsnade Zoo Official Website
– Whipsnade Zoo on Wikipedia