Opening times
Selected consecutive days throughout the year
Type of place
Education
Status
Open
This two-day course gives children aged 8 to 10 the chance to learn about our animals as well as make new friends with other like-minded children.
The Junior Zoo Academy course includes
- Two days at Whipsnade Zoo for the participant
- Entry into the Zoo only for one adult on the second day of the course
- A Junior Zoo Academy scrapbook to record their experiences
- A Junior Zoo Academy certificate of attendance
- A unique Junior Zoo Academy t-shirt
- A copy of all the photos taken on the course
The course includes a mixture of animal challenges, games, trails and some zookeeper tasks.
What to expect on the day
Participants will be dropped off outside the visitors’ centre at 10:15 into the care of the engagement team. The course is designed for 12 children, and they will be constantly supervised throughout the two days by members of the engagement team, including lunch and break times. Participants will be returned to the same meeting point at 3:00 both days. Participants will only be released into the care of the authorised adult stated on their consent form.
Members of the engagement team will take pictures throughout the course to record the activities. These will then be sent out via email after the course.
Please note: Activities are subject to change due to animal availability and welfare needs. A detailed itinerary will be provided on the day of the course. You can find an example itinerary and a visual story for this course at the bottom of the web page.
2026 Dates
1-2 April
8-9 April
27-28 May
29-30 July
5-6 August
12-13 August
19-20 August
26-27 August
29-30 October
BOOK NOW
- The price per child is £175 (includes participant's entry into the Zoo for the two days, entry into the Zoo only for one adult on the second day of the course and Junior Zoo Academy t-shirt).
- Please note, students are left in the supervision of the Zoo's engagement staff for the duration of the course.
- ZSL Gold Members, Patrons and Fellows receive a 10% discount on this experience. Please login in at checkout with the email address attached to your membership to activate your discount.
Important information to know
We recommend participants bring comfortable clothing because the course involves walking throughout the day and being outside in all weathers. Clothes may also get messy so please dress appropriately.
Participants will need to bring their own packed lunch and drinks for each day of the course. We will not be visiting the zoo café at lunch times, so you will not be able to buy food during the course hours.
We recommend reading the Junior Zoo Academy FAQs at the bottom of this web page before booking or attending the course.
You will be provided with a parental consent form with your ticket which must be completed to confirm your place.
Terms and Conditions
- Places are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Please see our full terms and conditions for more details.
- If you need help to manage your booking or have any other queries about the course, please contact us using this form or email us at [email protected].