ZSL Whipsnade Zoo welcomes back visitors for festive fun this Christmas

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo welcomed smiling families back to its 600-acre nature haven four weeks after closing for the second time this year.

Families eagerly queued outside the zoo, as the zoo’s team welcomed visitors back ahead of the festive activities, that start this weekend.

There will be a festive trail for little elves to follow every day from December 5, until Christmas Eve and there will also be the Whipsnade Santa Parade on selected dates, click here for more details.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s chief operating officer, Owen Craft, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, made even more wonderful by the fact we can welcome people back to the zoo.

“The grounds have been spruced up, Father Christmas has promised to pop by and the squirrel monkeys have even had some celebratory Christmas-themed bunting hung in their home by excited zookeepers!

“We know that people have missed us, and we’ve certainly missed them. We are looking forward to welcoming our members, neighbours and wildlife-lovers alike back to our nature haven.

"Families will be able to explore our vast park, breathe in fresh air and let the kids explore nature safely.

“We’ve got a Christmas-themed self-guided trail for visitors to embark on, and we’re delighted that we are able to still bring Father Christmas to our visitors – but we’re already seeing huge demand for tickets, so head to zsl.org to book yours now!"

Funds raised from Christmas visits will help international conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London), which runs London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, continue to care for the 20,000 residents at its two Zoos and protect threatened species around the world.

Tickets are available to book online, advanced booking will be necessary to manage capacity limits and ensure social distancing on site.