ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2025

Cat-Man said:
We’re down to three, and as far as I know there’s only been four to house them in this century, although if I’m wrong I’m more than happy to be corrected. Almost exclusively theme parks and safari parks, with Whisnade the sole exception. Given the expense I can’t see that number increasing anytime soon.
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I believe Woburn had their last hippo until some time in the early 2000s.

The confirmation is sad, I hope the new species is a worthy replacement. Okapi would be very nice, personally I'd like to see Cape buffalo but their smaller relatives seem more likely.
 
Cat-Man said:
You’re correct, and it’s worth acknowledging. If the chimpanzees do end up going (and the consensus on this site seems to be that it’s only a matter of time) they’ve lost the hippo, chimpanzee and sealions in a decade. These were key parts of a visit whipsnade and a huge miss to the collection, all whilst prices for visitors continue to rise.

The key reason of course, is money. ZSL does not have as much money as other major zoos on the continent, and i’m given to understand that compared to many other zoos they spend a lot more on in situ conservation than many other collections. This is admirable, but doesn’t make their strategy ex-situ bey
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I edited this and somehow cut off half my message. It should finish:

Beyond criticism. They spent a non-insignificant amount of money on redeveloping the sealion house, for them to leave less than a decade later.
 
Whatever goes in there (and it sounds as if the zoo already knows) may be judged on whether Whipsnade continues to sees itself as a serious breeding facility moving forwards for North African cheetah.

I think people don’t realise how much space is behind the cheetah and hippos. It is vast! If the off-show breeding pens for the cheetah are no longer required, opening the area up would create significant space certainly for more than one species.

Hopefully this doesn’t become a missed opportunity. I really can’t do with another sealion situation!
 
Cat-Man said:
I've been a member of Zoochat for almost two decades. I can count on one hand the good news I've heard from ZSL in that time period.
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I think you’d need a couple hands at least to count the good news I’ve heard from them in the last year! What qualifies as ‘good news’ to you?

However, I must admit I am devastated to hear Whipsnade are going out of Common Hippos. I know the move to Longleat was EEP-recommended and I am sure they have their reasons for not looking to acquire more individuals, but they were such an entertaining species, and such a difficult one to find. With the only other UK holders being safari parks and a theme park, neither of which I visit that regularly, the hippos were always a major highlight of my Whipsnade visits, and it seems now as though my encounters with the species may become an annual thing, if even that, on any continental trips. That whole corner of the zoo just won’t feel the same without them. A real shame.

That said, I eagerly anticipate hearing what the next species is, seeing as the zoo has confirmed it will be an animal. I doubt it will quite replace the hippos, but perhaps tying into the huge fields behind the hippos mentioned above, we could get something very interesting indeed!
 
Panthera1981 said:
Personally, it’s hard to argue against this comment I’m afraid, and you can add Polar bear, Californian sealion, Black rhino, American bison and (looking forward) Chimpanzee to this list.

ZSL will have its reasons, but it’s not as if Whipsnade isn’t short on space!
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It's difficult to disagree about how much space there is at Whipsnade, but I certainly don't think there is as much to complain about in relation to losing major species as is the case for many other zoos in the UK (e.g. Edinburgh, Marwell, Twycross).
Polar bears and Black rhinos were lost a few and a couple decades ago respectively (and Whipsnade already do well with two other rhino species), while American bison were lost more recently (I'm not sure on the exact circumstances) but there is still a small group of European bison, while this also wouldn't have been a massive loss for the visiting general public.
Californian sealion was a sizeable loss as a species, but their exhibit was not up to the standard of ZSL and it seems the zoo didn't want to make the big investment of building a brand new top notch complex while they would've also struggled to fit in to any of the main zones.
Chimps are very much still at Whipsnade, albeit an aging, non breeding group. If they were to be moved on prematurely I would imagine there would be a planned and suitable replacement. If the group was allowed to live out its days, you would like to think there would also be succession plans. In either scenario, Bonobos or a breeding group of subspecies pure chimps would perhaps be the obvious candidates, and with all due respect likely to make a better exhibit than the current group of chimps, so would hardly be a loss if that's how it was to go.
Common hippos will also be a noticeable loss for zoo nerds and the general public alike, but if the exhibit no longer suits the species as much as it once did then it is fair enough that ZSL don't want to commit to holding a breeding group in it for the medium-long term. It is good to hear the zoo already confirm that a brand new species will inhabit the space, however there are two main features of the enclosure (its' positioning in the Africa area and the two large pools) that will be difficult to be optimised simultaneously by the next inhabitant.
For making the most of the pools, my pick would be Malayan tapir, however they don't fit too well amongst the Africa zone.
In terms of making the most of the paddocks and being more geographically accurate, I would have to agree with Gelada, however a solution would have to be found for the pools (maybe as moats?).
 
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Rajang-GOAT said:
It's difficult to disagree about how much space there is at Whipsnade, but I certainly don't think there is as much to complain about in relation to losing major species as is the case for many other zoos in the UK (e.g. Edinburgh, Marwell, Twycross).
Polar bears and Black rhinos were lost a few and a couple decades ago respectively (and Whipsnade already do well with two other rhino species), while American bison were lost more recently (I'm not sure on the exact circumstances) but there is still a small group of European bison, while this also wouldn't have been a massive loss for the visiting general public.
Californian sealion was a sizeable loss as a species, but their exhibit was not up to the standard of ZSL and it seems the zoo didn't want to make the big investment of building a brand new top notch complex while they would've also struggled to fit in to any of the main zones.
Chimps are very much still at Whipsnade, albeit an aging, non breeding group. If they were to be moved on prematurely I would imagine there would be a planned and suitable replacement. If the group was allowed to live out its days, you would like to think there would also be succession plans. In either scenario, Bonobos or a breeding group of subspecies pure chimps would perhaps be the obvious candidates, and with all due respect likely to make a better exhibit than the current group of chimps, so would hardly be a loss if that's how it was to go.
Common hippos will also be a noticeable loss for zoo nerds and the general public alike, but if the exhibit no longer suits the species as much as it once did then it is fair enough that ZSL don't want to commit to holding a breeding group in it for the medium-long term. It is good to hear the zoo already confirm that a brand new species will inhabit the space, however there are two main features of the enclosure (its' positioning in the Africa area and the two large pools) that will be difficult to be optimised simultaneously by the next inhabitant.
For making the most of the pools, my pick would be Malayan tapir, however they don't fit too well amongst the Africa zone.
In terms of making the most of the paddocks and being more geographically accurate, I would have to agree with Gelada, however a solution would have to be found for the pools (maybe as moats?).
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Good points though I’d disagree about the chimps and think they should live out their days at Whipsnade - they are still an active group making use of their space particularly on better weather days which is true for most chimps in U.K. zoos I find them about as active as anywhere else I visit and I think they would be a terrible loss as individuals and a group: but eveyone likes different things. I’d hope they would continue with Chimps there, it’s a good set up for them.
 
Embu said:
Longleat have announced their first 2 hippos arriving.
Does this mean Whipsnade will go out of hippos completely or update their enclosure for new individuals?

Introducing Lola and Hodor, two of the hippos who will be becoming residents of Half Mile Pond!
Lola, 21, and her son Hodor, eight, were born at Whipsnade Zoo and will be joining us once our new hippo complex is complete, with other hippos due to join the pod.
Want to get to know our upcoming arrivals?
Lola is inquisitive and well-mannered and loves to soak in her pond on a hot day.
Hodor is full of energy and has a big appetite and they both love to eat cabbage!
Work is continuing on the hippo complex, with the roof now in place.
To celebrate the new complex, we’ll be creating a time capsule, and we want your help for what should be included. Leave your suggestions in the comments.
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Very shocked and saddened to see both of them are leaving. :( I believe this will also leave ZSL without hippos for the first time in 165 years.
 
Panthera1981 said:
Tim, can you recall the turnaround from Henry and Belinda to Whipsnade acquiring their replacements Ben and Nigna?
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Tim May said:
I think both "Henry" and "Belinda" were still alive when "Ben" and "Nigna" were aquired from Chessington, so their replacements were already on site.
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Nigna arrived first in 1991 from Chessington. Ben moved across the following year. Harry and Belinda were therefore both present when that pair arrived.

When Bill was born in 1993 to Ben and Nigna, Whipsnade would've had five hippos (parents, older pair and new calf) which I believe is the most they've ever had. Obviously Henry died long after however.
 
I must admit, I’m surprised the enclosure is no longer considered fit for purpose (keeping common hippo) as it always felt like one of the more “contemporary” areas in the park to me. When was it built?

I’ve always thought it was a shame that zoos in the UK can’t seem to get a handle on how to build an exciting hippo enclosure - something on par with the underwater viewing that seems more common in US zoos - and felt like Whipsnade’s was the best of a rather uninspiring lot in that sense. I wouldn’t be strictly opposed to them bringing in some smaller African rainforest species for that area (it would provide a nice balance to the savannah theming of the nearby cheetahs and lion complex) but it’s still a bitter pill to swallow, especially when there are so few holders of common hippo left :(
 
Kalaw said:
I think you’d need a couple hands at least to count the good news I’ve heard from them in the last year! What qualifies as ‘good news’ to you
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As stated in my follow up post, I was referring to obtaining a species of comparable size and popularity to those they’ve lost.

Rajang-GOAT said:
Polar bears and Black rhinos were lost a few and a couple decades ago respectively (and Whipsnade already do well with two other rhino species), while American bison were lost more recently (I'm not sure on the exact circumstances) but there is still a small group of European bison, while this also wouldn't have been a massive loss for the visiting general public.
Californian sealion was a sizeable loss as a species, but their exhibit was not up to the standard of ZSL and it seems the zoo didn't want to make the big investment of building a brand new top notch complex while they would've also struggled to fit in to any of the main zones.
Chimps are very much still at Whipsnade, albeit an aging, non breeding group. If they were to be moved on prematurely I would imagine there would be a planned and suitable replacement. If the group was allowed to live out its days, you would like to think there would also be succession plans. In either scenario, Bonobos or a breeding group of subspecies pure chimps would perhaps be the obvious candidates, and with all due respect likely to make a better exhibit than the current group of chimps, so would hardly be a loss if that's how it was to go.
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The loss of black rhinos is certainly manageable given the high visibility of two other rhinos at the collection. Yes, there are still European bison there but given Bison hill was possibly Whipsnade’s most iconic aspect and the public outcry when they were first removed from the hill in the 90s, I would still classify this as a major loss.

The Polar Bears were lost many years ago, but given the calibre of collections that have obtained them in Britain in recent years, many of which have been ambitious projects (logistically if not financially) it does make you reflect on the ambitions and capabilities of Whipsnade. There isn’t a zoo more suitable to holding them in the entire country, imo.

I agree the sealion facilities were inadequate, but it begs the question why so much was invested in the facilities just for them to leave a decade latter.

I’m afraid I don’t share the view that the chimpanzees will be quickly replaced when the time comes, but I don’t want to be too negative. We’ll have to wait and see on that front.
 
Jambo said:
Nigna arrived first in 1991 from Chessington. Ben moved across the following year. Harry and Belinda were therefore both present when that pair arrived.

When Bill was born in 1993 to Ben and Nigna, Whipsnade would've had five hippos (parents, older pair and new calf) which I believe is the most they've ever had. Obviously Henry died long after however.
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What a sight, and what a smell no doubt! A proper “zoo” experience entering a hippo house!

Im sure the keepers will be relieved about not having to answer the same questions on repeat: “Why don’t you clean the pools out?/Why is the water dirty?”
 
Tim May said:
"Henry" died in 1993 after fathering twenty-six calves at Whipsnade. He was the longest-lived mammal ever held in one of the ZSL's zoos.
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I had meant to say 'not long after' - he passed the same year Bill was born.

It's impressive both Henry and Belinda resided together for so long at the same facility (43 years).

It's also very intriguing to hear he was the longest lived mammal ever held in a ZSL facility at the time of his death. It's not surprising considering none of London's elephants ever lived/remained at London for long.
 
Lafone said:
Good points though I’d disagree about the chimps and think they should live out their days at Whipsnade - they are still an active group making use of their space particularly on better weather days which is true for most chimps in U.K. zoos I find them about as active as anywhere else I visit and I think they would be a terrible loss as individuals and a group: but eveyone likes different things. I’d hope they would continue with Chimps there, it’s a good set up for them.
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I definitely agree with you regarding the chimps and didn't mean to be dismissive of them, I was responding to the comments suggesting that they would be gone sooner rather and later by pointing out that they could be replaced by a larger breeding group (if they were to be moved on early or allowed to live out their lives) of Western chimps, Bonobos or another large primate species. Obviously the 5 chimps present may be active but if there is offspring in the group and it is double-digits in size then you would think it would be at least as interesting of a display.
I have no knowledge on whether this is the plan or not, but ZSL certainly aren't short on time to make long term decisions for the exhibit while the current chimp group inhabits it.
 
Rajang-GOAT said:
I definitely agree with you regarding the chimps and didn't mean to be dismissive of them, I was responding to the comments suggesting that they would be gone sooner rather and later by pointing out that they could be replaced by a larger breeding group (if they were to be moved on early or allowed to live out their lives) of Western chimps, Bonobos or another large primate species. Obviously the 5 chimps present may be active but if there is offspring in the group and it is double-digits in size then you would think it would be at least as interesting of a display.
I have no knowledge on whether this is the plan or not, but ZSL certainly aren't short on time to make long term decisions for the exhibit while the current chimp group inhabits it.
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It would indeed be ideal to have large primates there in the long term, it's a good space and it would be a miss not to have them, though I rather think some smaller primate will be the outcome in the end.
 
Very disappointed to hear about the loss of hippopotamus from Whipsnade. The chance to see both types of hippopotamus in one facility is something special and I feel lucky that my trip last year gave me the chance to experience that. What a shame!

Cat-Man said:
The loss of black rhinos is certainly manageable given the high visibility of two other rhinos at the collection. Yes, there are still European bison there but given Bison hill was possibly Whipsnade’s most iconic aspect and the public outcry when they were first removed from the hill in the 90s, I would still classify this as a major loss.

The Polar Bears were lost many years ago, but given the calibre of collections that have obtained them in Britain in recent years, many of which have been ambitious projects (logistically if not financially) it does make you reflect on the ambitions and capabilities of Whipsnade. There isn’t a zoo more suitable to holding them in the entire country, imo.

I agree the sealion facilities were inadequate, but it begs the question why so much was invested in the facilities just for them to leave a decade latter.
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The good news is these are not species that have become absent in captivity in the meantime, and should new management arise and funds become available, I think the possibility of polar bears or sea lions returning is there. The big 'if' is funding as developments for either species would be particularly expensive...

What species are kept where the American bison formerly were?
 
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