Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill, also known as the Whipsnade White Lion, is a giant geoglyph of a lion located on a hillside near Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England. It is the largest hill figure in England, measuring 147m-long (483ft). The lion was created in 1933 by the Zoological Society of London to warn pilots not to fly too low and scare the animals, as well as to advertise the zoo.

The Creation and Restoration of Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill

The Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill was designed by R.B. Brooke-Greave and originally only the outline was visible. Over time, the lion was eventually completed to become the largest geoglyph in the country. In 2018, the lion was restored using 800 tonnes of unwanted chalk from beneath a local resident’s house. However, the lion had fallen into disrepair over the years and became overgrown.

In March of 2018, a neighbor who was having excavation work done donated 50 truckloads of chalk so the zoo could make the lion look as good as new. The lion is now in a better state, but still needs regular maintenance. In May 2023, a group of volunteers have been weeding the landmark lion figure on the hillside as part of the Coronation weekend’s The Big Help Out initiative. The zoo said it was “not in a great state”, despite being restored in 2018, and it is hoped that this volunteer event will lead to more maintenance events in the future.

Whipsnade Zoo: More Than Just the Lion Hill

Whipsnade Zoo offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including the recently opened Monkey Forest experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the woodland home of various primates. The zoo also offers memberships for unlimited entry to both Whipsnade and London Zoo all year round, as well as special insider Zoo updates. Visitors can also book animal experiences, such as meeting the animals, experiencing the life of a Zookeeper, and sleeping over at the zoo.

Whipsnade Zoo’s Conservation Efforts

Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo are contributing to the zoo’s conservation work, as the zoo is part of ZSL (Zoological Society of London) a global conservation charity. The zoo’s teams of conservationists, scientists, technicians, and community specialists are active in over 70 countries, working to restore habitats and protect wildlife.

Key Facts about Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill

Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill is a unique and impressive landmark that has been a part of the Bedfordshire landscape for nearly a century. While the lion has faced challenges over the years, the zoo and local community are committed to maintaining this iconic geoglyph for generations to come. Whether you’re a visitor to the zoo or simply passing by, the Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill is a must-see attraction that showcases the rich history and conservation efforts of this remarkable institution.

References:
– Whipsnade White Lion on How’s That
– Whipsnade Zoo Official Website
– BBC News Article on 2018 Restoration
– Atlas Obscura Entry on Whipsnade Zoo Lion Hill
– BBC News Article on 2023 Volunteer Event