In News

Whipsnade Zoo was thrilled to take part in the Big Help Out and offer the community a chance to help care for the iconic UK landmark, the White Lion.  

20 volunteers helped to weed the head of the lion, which was designed by R.B. Brook-Greaves and constructed in 1933.   

Volunteer Advisor Sara Nicholas said the event, held to mark His Majesty the Kings coronation, was a great success. “It was fantastic to see so many people eager to care for the White Lion. The White Lion is such an iconic local landmark which is beloved by so many in the surrounding local community and here at Whipsnade Zoo.”  

Sara added as an international conservation charity, volunteers play an important role in supporting ZSL’s work. “We hope Monday’s Big Help Out will inspire people to continue volunteering at Whipsnade Zoo. Volunteers play a vital role at the UK’s largest zoo from greeting our visitors, to helping zookeepers care for animals, as well as taking part in citizen science programmes.”  

Whipsnade Zoo continues to carry out regular deep cleans and maintenance over the 147-metre-long chalk image.   

The historic chalk lion is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Because of this, environmentally friendly products are used to clean the chalk lion to protect the native plants and animals surrounding it.  

Whipsnade Zoo is eager to organise more volunteer events in the future to help assist with the weeding and maintenance of the iconic chalk outline.   

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