Soap star Pam lodges her support for zoo

The eight lodges are part of a unique new feature which gives visitors the chance to sleep surrounded by Whipsnade’s spectacular scenery and 2,500 wild animals.

Best known as EastEnders’ Pat Butcher, Pam, a keen conservationist and This Morning’s new animal expert, was more than happy to cut the red ribbon to open the facilities.

She told the Herald&Post: “It’s a wonderful idea. Not everyone has the time or the wherewithal financially to go to Africa, so this is the next best thing.”

The experience package also includes a guided tour led by one of the park’s experienced keepers, followed by a mouth-watering barbecue opposite the tiger enclosure and hot chocolate before bedtime.

The experience does not stop there, as nocturnal noises can be heard at night.

Pam said: “If you hear anything hopping, it’s not a ghost, it’s probably a wallaby.”

In 1999 Pam hosted television series Whipsnade – filmed at the zoo – and thoroughly enjoyed her time there.

She said: “It was fantastic. It became my second home, it was absolutely wonderful.”

Senior keeper Rosie Scott said: “Guests will get to see more than they usually would, and the lodges are really comfortable.”

Prices start at £115 per person, and the lodges are open Wednesday to Sunday nights until October.

For more information or to book, visit www.zsl.org.

>See the interview with Pam at www.lutontoday.co.uk