The zoo was established by the Zoological Society of London in 1931 as the UK's first open-air conservation park.
It is built on the site of a former farm and uses the natural landscape of the Chiltern Hills to define its animal paddocks.
The zoo's iconic White Lion of Whipsnade, a chalk figure carved into the hillside in 1933, is visible for miles.
It holds a significant collection of cheetahs and participates in coordinated European Endangered Species Programmes.
The site features a Narrow Gauge Railway that was originally built in the 1970s.
Much of the site is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Whipsnade Zoo is the UK's largest zoo, spanning 600 acres on the Chiltern Hills. It operates under the Zoological Society of London as a major center for global conservation and breeding programs. The park utilizes an open-pasture design, allowing large herds of hoofstock, including rhinos and zebras, to roam in expansive enclosures. It is unique for allowing visitors to drive their own vehicles through specific areas of the park. The facility maintains a population of over 3,000 animals across hundreds of species. A heritage steam railway operates within the grounds, providing transport between enclosures. It functions as both a site for public recreation and a scientific facility for endangered species management.
The viewing area overlooking the expansive rhino paddock with the Chiltern Hills in the background.
Bring a car to take advantage of the drive-through zones, which save significant walking time across the vast site.
Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes as the terrain is hilly and spans hundreds of acres.
Pack weather-appropriate clothing as the park is situated on an exposed hillside prone to wind and temperature changes.
Attempting to cover the entire 600-acre site on foot in one day without planning your route.
Open daily throughout the year except for Christmas Day.
Maintain quiet voices near animal enclosures; strictly follow speed limits and stay inside the vehicle in drive-through zones.
