Get closer to nature

Zoo Experiences

The ultimate animal experiences and more

Go on the ultimate animal adventure with us and experience wildlife like never before. Make memories which last a lifetime and take in the full wonder of the natural world, by meeting our animals, experiencing the life of a Zookeeper and sleeping over at the Zoo.

  • A group of Keeper for a Day experience participants with a giraffe
    Find out what it takes to be a zookeeper

    Keeper for a Day at Whipsnade Zoo

    The only Keeper for a Day experience in the UK where you get to work with rhinos, giraffes and elephants all in one day.

  • Alpaca walking at Whipsnade Zoo
    Walk our Alpacas

    Alpaca Walking Experience

    Take one of our alpaca's for a gentle stroll around the Zoo before we open to the public.

  • A butterfly on a leaf at Whipsnade Zoo
    Work with a keeper in our warm butterfly house

    Keeper in the Butterfly House Experience

    Work with our experienced keeper who will work with you for one hour teaching you some of the jobs they do before the zoo opens to the public

  • Whipsnade Zoo aquarium
    Behind the scenes tours of Whipsnade Zoo

    Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tours at Whipsnade Zoo

    Find out more about Whipsnade Zoo's conservation and breeding programmes with endangered species on one of our behind the scenes tours

  • Asian elephant Kaylee
    Feed our elephants

    Meet the Elephants

    Hand feed our elephant family and get to know their individual personalities, and how they are helping inform elephant conservation work in the field.

  • A girl wearing a yellow coat petting a brown pygmy goat
    Walk our Goats

    Farm Walking Experience

    Take one of our Goats for a gentle stroll around the Zoo before we open to the public.

  • Nighttime at Lookout lodges Whipsnade Zoo
    Sleepover at the Zoo

    Lookout Lodge - Sleepover at the Zoo

    Experience the Zoo after-dark at our cosy Lookout Lodges. We provide three entertaining and educational tours around the Zoo including a sunset tour, torch-lit night tour and a morning tour.

  • Zoo Explorer participants meet a goat
    Children can join in with exciting animal-themed activities

    Zoo Explorers at Whipsnade Zoo (5-7 year-olds)

    Zoo Explorers is a fantastic one day course for children aged 5–7 who are ready to explore the Zoo.

  • Three Zoo Academy participants smiling as they use shovels in an animal habitat
    Perfect for teens looking to pursue animal-based careers

    Whipsnade Zoo Academy (15-17 year-olds)

    Join us for an exciting five-day course designed for 15-17 year olds who wish to become zoo keepers or pursue other animal related careers and studies such as vets and vet nurses.

  • Junior Zoo Academy students provide enrichment to the lemurs
    Children can learn about animals and make new friends

    Whipsnade Zoo Junior Zoo Academy (8-10 year-olds)

    This two-day course includes games, challenges, trails and zookeeper activities.

  • A woman and a boy feeding a giraffe as part of the Meet the Giraffes experience at Whipsnade Zoo
    Feed our giraffes

    Meet the Giraffes at Whipsnade Zoo

    Get up close to the world's tallest animals with this special Meet the Giraffes experience.

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    Camping at the Zoo

    Nature Night Camping

    Pitch your tent and spend the evening discovering what both native and exotic animals get up to at night. Test your knowledge of animals before going on a torchlight expedition around the Zoo to see what you can find and who is still awake.