Whipsnade - What’s Happening at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo!
Dear Affiliates,
We just wanted to let you know about some great promotions we currently have running with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Online Family Offer
ZSL Whispande Zoo offers additional savings for families with our online family offer (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children).
Enter code SAVER in the promotion code box when purchasing tickets. Only available online and not at the gate.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Group booking Discounts
Groups of more than 10 paying people receive a 25% discount on ticket prices purchased online in advance and a 15% reduction if you buy at the gate.
Free Entry
Did you know that children under 3 years go free!
What’s Happening at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo!
Sea lion pup makes a splash!
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s keepers have an exciting new addition to care for, with the arrival of a tiny California sea lion pup.
The pup named Oscar, born to first-time parents, Bailey and Dominic, on Thursday 18 June, is the first sea lion baby to arrive at the Zoo since dad Dominic was born in 2007.
After giving birth outside on the edge of the sea lion’s pool, Bailey has taken to motherhood swimmingly, and is proving to be a doting mum to the incredibly lively pup.
Covered in a downy fur, Oscar will grow up to 7.5ft in length and is already showing similarities with dad Dominic - who was a notoriously cheeky pup – by demanding mum’s attention at all times.
Zookeeper Alex Pinnell is overjoyed at the new arrival and said: “The new pup is a great addition to the colony here at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and the European conservation breeding programme for this species, and it’s brilliant for us to see Bailey being such a good mum.
“We’ve named the pup Oscar, which we think suits his personality, and as ‘O’ is the 15th letter in the alphabet, we’ll always easily remember that he was born in 2015!
“A new infant is not only exciting for the zookeepers, but also for the other sea lions as it’s something brand new for them and they all love the new addition to their group. We’re staying hands off for now, to allow them all to get to know one another.”
Originating from the rocky coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, all along the west coast of the USA, California sea lions live in large colonies, led by a dominant male and his harem of female mates.
Perfectly adapted to life on land and underwater, California sea lions have smooth streamlined bodies, and strong flippers to power them through the water in pursuit of their prey. Able to rotate their rear flippers forward, the sea lions are able to move comfortably on land where they usually breed and give birth.
Visitors to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will be able to see Oscar and mum Bailey splashing around with the rest of the sea lion clan, dad Dominic and ‘aunt’ Lara.
Sea lion pup makes a splash | Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Butterfly House at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s brand new Butterfly House is one of the largest butterfly houses of any UK Zoo. Featuring over 30 different species from around the world, visitors will be surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies.
This chrysalis-shaped exhibit offers an exquisite tropical experience, as well as a wonderful place for families to learn about nature. As you travel through our butterfly domain, visitors will enter our interactive Metamorphosis Zone and be able to see every stage of the caterpillar/butterfly life-cycle. Featuring a puparium, the metamorphosis zone shows live pupae emerging from their cocoons with keepers on hand to demonstrate the art of raising butterflies.
Throughout your journey through the Butterfly House, you could encounter the fearsome Blue Tiger, Zebra Longwing, or even the majestic Madagascan comet moth. Each of these species can be spotted through their vivid colours, colours that have hidden meaning within the Butterfly World. From camouflage to mating, colour plays an important part in a butterfly's life, and with our engaging talks you can unravel the mysteries.
Once you’ve encountered our fluttering friends, brave visitors can head down to meet our West African Dwarf Crocodiles. Don’t let their teeth scare you, these swamp dwellers are one of the smallest crocodiles. Learn more about how these reptiles have come under threat through your travels in this fantastic new exhibit.
Butterfly House | Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Best Regards,
ZSL Affiliate Team