We’re inviting our Gold members, Fellows and Patrons into the Zoo early to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the Zoo before we open the gates to the public.
As part of your benefits for Gold members, Fellows and Patrons, we invite you to swing by on four selected Sundays a week before school holidays for an hour's long sneak peek of what happens at the Zoo before general opening. See the animals slowly waking up and going about their morning routine, whilst our team of zookeepers, staff and volunteers get the Zoo ready to welcome visitors. Whether it's keepers opening the habitats, catering teams whizzing baguettes over to the cafés, or retail teams getting the stores ready – expect to get a true behind-the-scenes peek! Plus, we’ll be bringing you right up-close to a different species for each of the early opening dates with additional activities and talks!
Early opening dates for 2026
Mark your calendars today, and pop in at 9am on these four Sundays:
- Sunday 12 July 2026
- Sunday 18 October 2026
Next early opening on Sunday 12 July 2026, with entry between 9am and 9:30am
Join the herd! Did you know that Whipsnade Zoo is home to a family of Asian elephants, spanning three generations? They live in the Centre for Elephant Care – their custom-built home.
While the elephant keeper team get the elephants ready for the day ahead, you’ll hear a special talk. Come along to learn about the unique character traits of our elephants and the relationships within the herd. Plus there will be time for your questions at our Q&A session with an elephant keeper.
Asian elephants are an endangered keystone species at high risk of extinction and every elephant at Whipsnade Zoo is precious.
There is no need to pre-book, simply come along between 9.00–9.30am on Sunday 12 July and show your membership card to our admissions team at the Zoo entrance.
Fancy attending the exclusive early openings for Gold members, Fellows and Patrons at London Zoo instead?
Additional information
- Early entry is for Gold members, Fellows, Patrons and their allocated guests only.
- This is a free non-ticketed activity. Simply show your membership card at the main gate as usual.
- Early entry is only between 9.00 – 9.30am.
- Please note, most of the catering outlets and shops and some of the animal habitats will only open at 10am. The cafe at the Visitor Center will be open.
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Zoo Membership
Become a Zoo member today for a whole year of unlimited wonderful days out! Make your support go even further to help wildlife conservation by becoming a Patron. Or, if wildlife conservation and science is your profession, find out more about Fellowship.