Member hour early opening dates

See the Zoo in a different light 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.

Now part of the benefits of Gold members, Fellows and Patrons from 2025! 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 own 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!

First member hour early opening for the year: Sunday 30 March 2025

Be the first at 9am to take flight to London Zoo’s Blackburn Pavilion! See our keepers going about their morning routine in this lush tropical bird walk-through. Come nose-to-beak with exotic laughing thrushes, soaring starlings, nosey victoria-crowned pigeons, and plush partridges! Special talks await you with some astonishing facts about the different species and their challenges in the wild.

There is no need to pre-book, simply pop in between 9.00–9.30am on the selected Sundays and show your membership card at to our team at the gates.

Further dates for member hour early opening 2025:

• Sunday 18 May 2025
• Sunday 20 July 2025
• Sunday 19 October

Would you like to attend the exclusive Gold members, Fellow and Patron early openings at Whipsnade Zoo instead?

whipsnade zoo EARLY OPENINGS
 

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.