Support Whipsnade Zoo's Festive Dinner campaign this Christmas
Molluscs for Christmas pudding might not tempt many of us, but it makes a seasonal dessert delight for our vulnerable Asian short-clawed otter. This year, supporters who donate the cost of one of their starters, mains or desserts can double their impact through our Festive Dinners campaign. Each festive-themed donation helps fund our critical conservation work around the world.
Today, on Giving Tuesday, we're asking people to donate the cost of an animal’s starter (£6), main course (£14), dessert (£7), or a full three-course meal (£25). These reflect the daily costs of feeding some of the endangered species we're working to protect at Whipsnade Zoo. Every donation, up to a total value of £10,000, is being matched by a generous anonymous donor.
“Festive Dinners is such a simple but powerful way for people to make a real difference,” said Hannah Eaton, ZSL’s Fundraising Manager. “Feeding time at the Zoo might seem light-hearted, but covering the cost of a lion’s lunch or a parrot’s breakfast will make a big difference to our work.
“Thanks to match-funding, every donation made this Christmas will go twice as far to help us protect species, restore habitats and support the conservation science that underpins our work here in the UK and around the world.”
Help our otters
Our Asian short-clawed otters aren’t just adorable - they are ambassadors for their vulnerable species. With wild populations under threat from habitat loss and shrinking prey, every otter at the Zoo helps raise awareness and drive conservation action. Donations to the Festive Dinners campaign support breeding programmes, enrichment, and vital research, giving these clever little otters a brighter future both at Whipsnade and in the wild.
The Festive Dinners Appeal supports our vital science and conservation work around the world, as well as vital conservation breeding programmes here and at London Zoo, and educational projects designed to train the next generation of conservationists.
Supporters will receive a Festive Dinners Certificate via email as a thank you for their support – which is a lovely keepsake or can make a great gift for a loved one too.
All donations are being matched this year, so there’s never been a better time to support the campaign and leave a legacy for wildlife.
By donating the cost of a festive dinner, you can provide nourishing meals for our animals and support ZSL's global conservation work, protecting endangered species and their habitats around the world.
