Event type
Early opening
Event status
Open
Dates
6 April
18 May
20 July
19 October
18 May
20 July
19 October
Duration
1h
Location
Whipsnade Zoo
Price
Gold members, Fellows and Patrons only
We’re inviting our Gold members, Fellows and Patrons into the Zoo early to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the Zoo before we open the gates to the public.
Now part of the benefits of Gold members, Fellows and Patrons from 2025! Swing by on four selected Sundays a week before the school holidays start, to get a sneak peek of life at the Zoo before our gates open to the public at 10am. See the animals slowly waking up and going about their own morning routine, whilst our team of zookeepers, staff and volunteers get the Zoo ready to welcome visitors. Whether it's keepers opening the habitats, catering teams whizzing baguettes over to the cafés, or retail teams getting the stores ready – expect to get a true behind-the-scenes peek! Plus, you'll be getting right up-close to a different species for each of the early opening dates with additional activities and talks!
First member hour early opening for the year: Sunday 6 April 2025
Recently woken up from torpor, join Whipsnade Zoo's European brown bears bright and early from 9am! Be right there when they go about their morning routine and enjoy their morning snack! While you watch these powerful yet playful creatures up close, our presenters will share fascinating insights about this incredible species!
Further dates for member hour early opening 2025:
- Sunday 18 May 2025
- Sunday 20 July 2025
- Sunday 19 October
There is no need to pre-book, simply pop over between 9.00 – 9.30am on the selected days and show your membership card at to our admissions team.
Fancy attending the exclusive early openings at London Zoo instead?
Additional information
- Early entry is for Gold members, Fellows, Patrons and their allocated guests only.
- This is a free non-ticketed activity. Simply show your membership card at the main gate as usual.
- Early entry is only between 9.00 – 9.30am.
- Please note, most of the catering outlets and shops and some of the animal habitats will only open at 10am. The cafe at the Visitor Center will be open.
Not yet part of the supporter family?
A year of wild adventures is waiting for you!
Zoo Membership
Become a Zoo member today for a whole year of unlimited wonderful days out! Make your support go even further to help wildlife conservation by becoming a Patron. Or, if wildlife conservation and science is your profession, find out more about Fellowship.