Don't miss our brand new interactive exhibition, showcasing 200 years of history.
It's ZSL's birthday!
ZSL, the international science-driven conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, is turning 200!
To celebrate our big birthday, there are a whole host of tours, events and activities throughout 2026, including this striking exhibition which will be open until 31 December 2026.
You'll find this vibrant installation in the Base Camp area of the Zoo, close to our lemur walkthrough, and it's free to explore with Zoo entry or membership.
All about our birthday exhibition
A large, colourful cube forms the heart of the ZSL at 200 exhibition. Next to it, you'll find a pop culture tower of giant books, television screens and stereos, as well as a listening bench for you to reflect on the future of wildlife.
As you wander around the display, be transported back in time and learn fascinating facts about our rich heritage, delving into the following themes:
- Leaps and Bounds - Highlighting scientific breakthroughs over the last 200 years, from ground-breaking veterinary work to bringing species back from the brink of extinction.
- Women and Wildlife - Shining a light on some of the influential women throughout ZSL's history.
- Zoo and You - Drawing on stories and images shared with us through our History Hive project.
- Pop Culture - Revealing how ZSL has inspired creativity in literature, film and music.
- Grand Designs - Exploring ZSL's iconic architecture and the many ways our influence has extended into the design world.
- The Future - Listen to voices from the next generation sharing their hopes for wildlife and people.
See ZSL’s story - and your place within it – in a new and exciting way and help us celebrate 200 years of wildlife and wonder.
There's so much to explore at Whipsnade Zoo
Your Zoo visit also includes:
- Over 10,000 amazing animals to discover, from bears and lions, to penguins and giraffes. Plus, all of your favourite farmyard friends too.
- FREE parking: Drive into our external car park, no pre-booking required.
- Daily zookeeper talks to learn more about our incredible species.
- FREE entry for children under 3: Plus up to 30% discount for children aged 3-15**.
- A Weather Buster guarantee: Book with confidence all year round. If the weather lets you down, re-visit for free. T&Cs apply^
- An enormous adventure playground: Over 7,800m² of themed outdoor play area, including bridges, swings, a sandpit, and more!
- FREE indoor soft play: No charge, but must be booked in advance†. Includes a separate area for little ones under 3.
** 'Up to 30%' based on the saving for a Child ticket compared to a full-price Adult ticket.
^ If there's more than 90 minutes of continuous rain, or substantial high winds, during Zoo opening hours, that day will qualify for our Weather Buster Guarantee and you can re-visit, within the following two months, for free. To take advantage of our Weather Buster Guarantee, you must have bought tickets online, in advance, from this website, for a qualifying date. Find out more: Weather Buster Guarantee.
† Tickets are free of charge and become available to book 24 hours in advance of the play session start time. Find out more and book: Hullabazoo Indoor Play.
Have your own memories of our Zoos?
We’re creating a giant global storybook that celebrates the many ways ZSL has been part of people’s lives over the past 200 years. We’d love to hear your ZSL memories, moments and milestones.
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