The Whipsnade Zoo Jumbo Express, also known as the Great Whipsnade Railway, is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge heritage railway that operates within ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England. Constructed in 1970, this charming railway has become a beloved attraction for visitors, offering a unique perspective on the zoo’s diverse animal inhabitants.
Route and Locomotives
The train typically travels in a clockwise direction around the loop, providing passengers with a captivating view of the zoo’s various habitats and animal enclosures. As the train passes the children’s play area and farm, it then enters the Passage through Asia, where visitors can witness Bactrian Camels, Yak, and Pere David Deer up close, without any barriers separating them from the train.
The railway is equipped with a fleet of four steam locomotives and five diesel engines, all of which are used to haul the passenger trains. The steam locomotives “Excelsior” and “Superior” are two of the four that operate on the railway, adding to the nostalgic and authentic experience for visitors.
Cost and Timings
When the Whipsnade Zoo Jumbo Express reopens in February half term, the Station Store will open at 11:45am each day, where visitors can purchase tokens for their journey. The fares are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (Including Seniors) | £4.50 |
| Essential Carer / Teacher | FREE |
| Child (Under 3) | FREE |
| Child (Aged 3-15) | £2.00 |
| Child School Group | £0.50 |
| Adult School Group | £4.50 |
| Adult (Including Seniors) Gold Member / Fellow | £4.00 |
| Child Gold Member | £1.50 |
The railway operates daily from 29th March to 29th September 2024, with weekend-only service from 5th October 2024 and daily service from 26th October to 3rd of November 2024. The railway will then be closed until February 2025.
Unique Perspective
One of the key highlights of the Whipsnade Zoo Jumbo Express is the unique perspective it offers on the zoo’s animal inhabitants. As the train travels through the various paddocks and enclosures, visitors are able to see the animals from a different vantage point, providing a fresh and engaging experience.
Real-Life Incidents and Statistics
In August 2018, the steam engine “Superior” had a memorable encounter as it passed the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) in the Passage through Asia drive-through section, offering visitors a rare and up-close glimpse of these fascinating creatures.
The Whipsnade Zoo Jumbo Express is a beloved attraction that has been delighting visitors for over 50 years. With its charming steam-powered locomotives, captivating route, and the opportunity to see the zoo’s animals from a unique perspective, it is a must-visit experience for any Zoo Touring Enthusiast.
References:
– Whipsnade Zoo – Great Whipsnade Railway
– Wikipedia – Great Whipsnade Railway
– RailTracks UK – Whipsnade Zoo Jumbo Express
– YouTube – Passage Through Asia, Jumbo Express, Whipsnade, 27 Aug 2018
– ZooChat – Passage Through Asia, Jumbo Express, Whipsnade, 27 Aug 2018