Opening times

Selected Wednesdays and Thursdays

Type of place
Education
Status
Open

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

Supported by education staff, students will have the chance to learn about the animals they see as well as make new friends with other like-minded children.

Whipsnade Zoo Junior Zoo Academy course includes

  • Two days at Whipsnade Zoo
  • 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, talks and some zookeeper tasks. Read a sample outline of the course: Whipsnade Zoo Junior Zoo Academy example itinerary Please note: Timings and activities are all subject to change. 

To record their time at the zoo, children will also create a Zoo Scrapbook to take home. They’ll be able to log all the fun and exciting experiences they have with photos and drawings as well as remind themselves of any new facts they have learnt along the way. Children will also gain a certificate at the end of the course to celebrate their attendance on the course.

Lemurs getting enrichment
Children making lemur enrichment

Whipsnade Zoo Junior Academy course dates 

  • Wednesday 15 - Thursday 16 February 2023
  • Wednesday 5 - Thursday 6 April 2023
  • Wednesday 12 - Thursday 13 April 2023
  • Wednesday 31 May - Thursday 1 June 2023
  • Wednesday 26 - Thursday 27 July 2023
  • Wednesday 2 - Thursday 3 August 2023
  • Wednesday 9 - Thursday 10 August 2023
  • Wednesday 16 - Thursday 17 August 2023
  • Wednesday 23 - Thursday 24 August 2023
  • Wednesday 30 - Thursday 31 August 2023

Prices

  • The price per child is £175. 
  • ZSL Gold MembersPatrons and Fellows receive a 10% discount on this experience. Please enter your Primary CRM ID in the Offer Code box.
  • Manage your booking here.
Group of children walking carrying a bucket

Logistics

Children will be dropped off outside the visitors centre at 10.15 into the care of the education team. The course is designed for 10 children, and they will be constantly supervised throughout the day by two members of the education team, including lunch and break times, and returned to the same meeting point at the end of the course. Children will only be released into the care of the authorised adult stated on the consent form. Further information about these arrangements will be provided after purchase.

Preparing for your Junior Zoo Academy course

We recommend students 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.

Please bring the following items to every session:

  • Sensible, comfortable footwear – e.g. sturdy shoes or wellington boots
  • Light waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers (optional)
  • Dress in layers so you can remove as appropriate when working
  • Sunscreen and a hat

Students 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. 

If for any reason you cannot attend, please phone the Education department before 9.30am on the day of the course and leave a message with your name, telephone number and the reason you are unable to attend.

Terms and Conditions

Places are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and you will be provided with a parental consent form with your ticket which must be returned to ZSL to confirm your place. Once payment has been taken, refunds cannot be given.

Junior Zoo Academy testimonials

  • An unforgettable behind the scenes experience, with a range of activities
  • My child was delighted by the experience and seems to have learned lots.
  • He was so excited about the whole experience and couldn't wait to share his knowledge.
  • It was the best two days of her life.
  • The girls had a fabulous time, they learned a lot of interesting facts, there was plenty of interaction with the animals, and the instructors were very friendly and outgoing.

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

Junior Zoo Academy students provide enrichment to the lemurs

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

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