Kids role-play vet life this half term at zoo

Step into the shoes of a vet this February half term at Whipsnade Zoo, as Vets in Action – an immersive role-playing experience for children – lets budding veterinarians put their animal care skills to the test.

Young conservationists can roll up their sleeves and become a zoo vet, joining the action at the specially designed Zoo Vet Centre.Here, they can choose to perform a health check on a (cuddly) lion – before going to see the nine-strong pride in real life – or learn more about the conservation zoo’s chimpanzee troop, Bonnie, Grant, Phil and Elvis, who are trained to present their fingers for ECG readings to help the zoo’s vets monitor their health and wellbeing.

To get an even deeper understanding of how ZSL, the charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, has been contributing to the global understanding of wildlife for 200 years, visitors can also enjoy a special heritage tour delving into 200 years of incredible veterinary breakthroughs, pioneering research, and stories from the front line of animal care, on 14 & 15 Feb (pre-bookable online).

Once their shift is over, famillies can explore the rest of the zoo’s 600-acre site, which is home to more than 11,000 animals, including two 3-month old giraffe calves and a one-month old southern white rhino calf.

This February half-term, families can enjoy 30% off a fantastic day out with their loved ones when visiting Whipsnade Zoo by booking with the code LOVE30, active from Monday 26 January, for any visit during the half-term week from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 Feb 2026.

A great value day out for the family, Vets In Action and all extra activities are included with zoo entry. Book tickets online with the code LOVE30 at www.whipsnadezoo.org.