17 February 2026
Our Zoonormous Egg Hunt is back at Whipsnade Zoo this Easter! To celebrate, we’re sharing some mega facts ahead of your big day out.
1. Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest Zoo
There are 600 acres to explore at Whipsnade Zoo, making it the perfect day out in the great outdoors this spring. Look out for our free-roaming animals like our wallabys and maras relaxing in the daffodils – you may even be able to spot joeys and pups.
Plus, we have a large outdoor play park with over 7,800 square metres of themed play areas, so the kids can run wild.
There's so much to see at the UK's largest Zoo, you'll want to come back! So why not join the family - become a member and enjoy unlimited entry for a year!
2. We’re doing immense things for conservation
Whipsnade Zoo is more than just a Zoo, we're a conservation Zoo, part of international charity, ZSL. Many of the animals we care for are part of crucial breeding programmes, and some of the species you'll visit are actually Extinct-in-the-Wild - read more about the story of the Mexican pupfish found in our Aquarium.
Our experts work to protect species and their habitats in the wild too, all around the world, including right here on our doorstep. Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps to support our vital work so when you have a big day out, you're helping animals - in a big way!
3. The White Lion is 150 metres long
Whipsnade Zoo’s most famous lion – our chalk lion on the hillside – covers an area of around 6,500 square metres. It's tail alone is 4 metres wide! The lion is so big it was covered during World War II as it would have been a very useful navigation aid for enemy planes. It’s an emblem for the surrounding areas, which is much-loved by locals, and a dedicated volunteer team are working tirelessly to maintain the local landmark.
4. We’re home to the tallest land mammals, giraffes
Did you know, a giraffe's heart beats up to 170 times a minute - twice as fast as a human's! Learn more giraffe facts and come face-to-face with these giants from our viewing platform. And look out for our two long-legged calves, born in 2025 - they'll soon be galloping around their paddock in the sunshine.
The newborns join siblings Myra and Timba, who were both born in the summer of 2024. Each one is a precious addition to the international conservation breeding programme for reticulated giraffes, who are Endangered in the wild.
5. Baby rhinos can weigh an impressive 45kg when born
At Whipsnade Zoo we welcomed two not-so-little bundles of joy in 2024 – Southern white rhinos Benja and Khulu – and baby boy Mick in 2025.
The siblings are great ambassadors for our conservation work as part of ZSL, protecting rhinos in the wild. They’ve still got lots of growing to do – white rhinos are the largest rhino species weighing up to 2.3 tonnes, which is heavier than a car!
Visit our herd in their 21-acre paddock this spring, you’ll often see them snoozing under their shady trees on a hot day.
Under 3s go free!
Whether your child is a toddler or school-aged, Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect place in Bedfordshire for kids to explore and let off steam. Our seasonal events, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play, and children's farm are all included in your Zoo ticket or membership. And don't forget, under 3's visit the Zoo free of charge.
6. Our Butterfly House is one of the biggest butterfly biomes of any UK Zoo
Surround yourself in a tropical paradise and watch beautiful butterflies as they fly freely around their home. Not only is it the perfect place to warm up if it’s a bit chilly, our Butterfly House and neighbouring Aquarium provide fascinating experiences for you to get closer to our species - including our crocodiles!
7. Asian elephants are more closely related to gigantic woolly mammoths than African elephants
At Whipsnade Zoo, we’re home to a herd of Asian elephants, a species that is sadly Endangered in the wild. Our elephants are playing a crucial role in conservation. Not only are they part of the global breeding programme, they play an active role in developing new conservation technology, contribute to vital veterinary advancements and help conservationists through behavioural and scientific studies – all of which are applied to efforts to preserve elephants in the wild.
8. You can visit big cats
There's something about big cats that we're drawn to from a very young age. Maybe it's their immense power, but also elegance. Maybe it's because they're elusive. Or maybe it's because lots of us have our own pet cats at home and we can relate to their similarities. Whatever the reason, our big cats at the Zoo are definitely visitor favourites.
At Whipsnade you'll find our Amur tiger, Miron, and our family of rare Northern African lions, including two litters of cubs born in 2024 and 2025. And, though not officially classed as 'big cats', you can also visit lynxes and cheetahs at the Zoo.
9. You can hop around with our giant rabbits
What says Easter more than hopping bunnies - and giant ones at that! In time for the Easter holidays, little ones will be able to hop around with our giant rabbits who will share their home with our pygmy goats in their Hullabazoo Farm walkthrough.
And don't miss our Farmyard Fun show, running during the Easter holidays. Please check the talks board on arrival for the schedule.