Whipsnade Zoo is a large wildlife park and conservation center located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England. It is one of the largest zoos in the United Kingdom, covering an area of 600 acres. The zoo is owned and operated by the Zoological Society of London, a scientific and educational charity that aims to promote the conservation of animals and their habitats.
The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals of more than 200 different species, including elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, and bears. One of the unique features of the zoo is its large herds of ungulates, including zebras, antelopes, and deer, which are allowed to roam free across the open savannah-like enclosures. Visitors can take a safari-style tour of the savannah on a specially designed bus or hire a bicycle to explore the zoo's extensive grounds.
In addition to its animal exhibits, Whipsnade Zoo offers a range of educational and conservation programs, including school visits, wildlife courses, and animal adoption schemes. The zoo also has a strong research and conservation focus, with staff working on a range of projects aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats both locally and internationally.