Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium is a unique and captivating destination that offers visitors a round-the-world journey through ten of the planet’s most extreme aquatic habitats. This 220-meter-long exhibit, located in the Visitor Centre at the zoo’s entrance, showcases the precious ecosystems that are at risk of being lost and provides a base for leading conservation work, protecting some of the rarest and most critically endangered freshwater fish on the planet.
Exploring the Aquarium’s Exhibits
The Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium features ten permanent exhibits, each showcasing a different aquatic habitat from around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant flooded forest in Brazil, an African puddle, and other diverse ecosystems, learning about the unique species that call these habitats home.
Exhibit 1: Flooded Forest
Visitors can explore the lush and vibrant flooded forest of Brazil, where they can observe a variety of fish species, including the critically endangered La Palma pupfish.
Exhibit 2: African Puddle
This exhibit showcases the incredible diversity of life found in a small African puddle, highlighting the importance of even the most seemingly insignificant water bodies.
Exhibit 3: Himalayan Stream
The Himalayan Stream exhibit transports visitors to the high-altitude streams of the Himalayas, where they can witness the unique adaptations of fish species that thrive in these challenging environments.
Exhibit 4: Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta exhibit highlights the rich biodiversity of this iconic Southeast Asian river system, home to a variety of endangered fish species.
Exhibit 5: Lake Acıgöl
This exhibit focuses on the critically endangered Lake Acıgöl killifish, which is being bred behind the scenes at the aquarium to support conservation efforts.
Exhibit 6: Danube Delta
The Danube Delta exhibit showcases the diverse array of fish species found in this important European wetland ecosystem.
Exhibit 7: Madagascan Swamp
Visitors can explore the unique and threatened habitats of Madagascar, where they can observe the endemic fish species that call these swamps home.
Exhibit 8: Patagonian Lake
This exhibit transports visitors to the stunning Patagonian lakes, where they can learn about the adaptations of the fish species that thrive in these cold, clear waters.
Exhibit 9: Yangtze River
The Yangtze River exhibit highlights the importance of this iconic Chinese waterway and the conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Chinese giant salamander.
Exhibit 10: Caribbean Reef
The final exhibit takes visitors to the vibrant and colorful Caribbean reef, showcasing the diversity of marine life found in these tropical ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts at Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium
The Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium is not just a captivating display of aquatic life; it is also a hub for leading conservation work. The aquarium’s team is dedicated to uncovering the secret lives of threatened and extinct-in-the-wild freshwater fish and finding ways to save them from extinction.
One example of their conservation efforts is the work being done to save the critically endangered Acigol killifish in Turkey. The aquarium’s team leader, Alex Cliffe, has been conducting important field work in Turkey to study the species and work with the Turkish government to develop translocation plans to support the breeding and potential reintroduction of the killifish.
In addition to the Aquarium, Whipsnade Zoo is also involved in other conservation projects, such as developing a route for recovery for Chinese giant salamanders and protecting angel sharks.
Visiting Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium
Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium is located in the Visitor Centre, just 250 meters away from the zoo’s entrance. The aquarium is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.
Admission Rates:
– Adult: £27.00
– Child (3-15 years): £19.50
– Concession: £24.00
– Family: £83.50
Visitors can find dining options at the Base Camp Restaurant, Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli, or the Visitor Centre Café.
Conclusion
Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and the fascinating world of freshwater fish. With its unique exhibits, dedicated conservation efforts, and stunning displays, the aquarium offers a captivating journey through the planet’s most extreme aquatic habitats, inspiring visitors to learn more about these precious ecosystems and the species that call them home.
References:
– Whipsnade Zoo – Rainy Day Things to Do
– Whipsnade Zoo Aquarium
– The Aquarium at Whipsnade
– Freshwater Fish Conservation
– Whipsnade Zoo Conservation