Whipsnade Zoo

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  • Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell (ZSL Secretary 1903-1935) was inspired by a visit to the Bronx Zoological Park to create a park in Britain as a conservation centre. Hall Farm, a derelict farm on the Dunstable Downs, 30 miles (48 km) to the north of London was purchased by the Zoological Society of London in 1926 for £13,480 12s 10d, The site was fenced, roads built and trees planted. The first animals arrived at the park in 1928, including two Lady Amherst's pheasants, a golden pheasant and five red junglefowl. Others soon followed, including muntjac, llama, wombats and skunks. Whipsnade Park Zoo opened on Sunday 23 May 1931. It was the first open zoo in Europe to be easily accessible to the visiting public. The collection of animals was boosted in 1932 by the purchase of a collection from a defunct travelling menagerie and some of the larger animals walked to the zoo from Dunstable station. During the Second World War, the zoo acted as a refuge for animals evacuated from London Zoo. During 1940, 41 bombs fell on the park with little damage to the zoo structure. Some of the ponds in the park are the remains of bomb craters from this period.

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      Hierarchical terms

      Whipsnade Zoo

      Whipsnade Zoo

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      Whipsnade Zoo

        Associated terms

        Whipsnade Zoo

          35 Archival description results for Whipsnade Zoo

          Only results directly related
          George Ewer & Co. Ltd
          SUP/5/1/2/107 · File · 1946
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between George Ewer & Co. Ltd and Geoffrey Marr Vevers regarding a coach to transport staff from the Zoological Society of London to Whipsnade Zoo
          High Commissioner of South Africa
          SUP/6/1/1/50 · File · 1949
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between the High Commissioner of South Africa and George Soper Cansdale regarding a request for specimens of the big horned Afrikander humped cattle to establish a herd at Whipsnade
          Maurice, Henry G
          SEC/11/1/49 · File · 1943
          Part of ZSL Secretaries

          Correspondence between Henry Gascoyne Maurice and the Zoological Society of London regarding the reopening of the Aquarium, visits to Whipsnade, the Civil Service Anglers' Association perch, his expenses account, perch from the Lee Conservancy Board, staff appointments, the draft Case for Opinion of Counsel, suggested amendments to the by-laws and the Secretary's memorandum to the Council regarding the suggested amendments
          Puddle, W
          SUP/5/1/2/182 · Item · 1946
          Part of Superintendents

          Letter regarding a decision not to move the wolves at Whipsnade and to cut the tops out of dangerous conifers in the Wolf Wood. Also a list of implements belonging to the Gardening Department at Whipsnade
          Samuel McGredy and Son
          SUP/5/1/3/33 · File · 1947
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between Samuel McGredy and Son and Geoffrey Marr Vevers, and plans regarding the planting of roses at Whipsnade
          Stevens, Howard J
          SUP/5/1/2/204 · File · 1946
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between Howard J Stevens and Geoffrey Marr Vevers regarding the transport of a male Llama, Nylghaie, Dingos and Husky puppies to Whipsnade, and the offer to let J Howard Stevens had a pair of Bear Cubs
          Tong, E H
          SUP/6/1/1/108 · File · 1949
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between E H Tong and George Soper Cansdale regarding matters at Whipsnade, including causes of deaths of animals, animal record cards, the Canadian Department of Mines and Resources, the acquisition of animals, and animals on deposit from Germany
          Tong, E H
          SUP/5/1/2/213 · File · 1946
          Part of Superintendents

          Correspondence between E H Tong and Geoffrey Marr Vevers regarding the offer of the Council of the Zoological Society of London on the appointment of Superintendent at Whipsnade Park