See the Zoo come to life from 9am
We're inviting our Gold members, Fellows and Patrons into the Zoo early to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of zoo life before we open the gates to the public at 10am.
As part of your benefits for Gold members, Fellows and Patrons, we invite you to swing by on four selected Sundays a week before school holidays for an hour's long sneak peek of what happens at the Zoo before general opening. See the animals slowly waking up and going about their 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, we’ll be bringing you right up-close to a different species for each of the early opening dates with additional activities and talks!
Visit our library and archives
Join us for our exclusive Sunday openings at the HRH Prince Philip Library and Archives. If you want to study, borrow some books, or discover some hidden treasurers now is your time.
The library and archives will be open exclusively for Fellows, Patrons and Gold Members between 11am and 2pm, on the early opening dates shown. So come along to explore the wonders within our fascinating collections!
Early opening dates for 2026
Mark your calendars today, and pop in at 9am on these four Sundays:
- Sunday 22 March 2026
- Sunday 17 May 2026
- Sunday 12 July 2026
- Sunday 18 October 2026
Next early opening on Sunday 12 July 2026, with entry between 9am and 9:30am
Meet our amazing colony of Humboldt penguins at Penguin beach – England’s biggest penguin pool. There are stunning underwater viewing areas and plenty of places all around the pool to view all the action from.
Find out all about the penguins at our presenter talk - interesting quirks of some of the individuals, how we look after the penguins and how the colony works day to day. Then you’ll enjoy seeing the penguins being fed by a keeper.
Just before the talk starts, children can even take a turn to feed a fish to a penguin! (Please note the opportunity for children to feed penguins is offered on a first come, first served basis and numbers are strictly limited.)
There is no need to pre-book, simply come along between 9am and 9:30am on Sunday 12 July and show your membership card to our admissions team at the Zoo entrance.
Would you like to attend the exclusive Gold members, Fellow and Patron early openings at Whipsnade 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 Reptile Kiosk and Zoo Treats cafe at the main entrance will be open.
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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.