Creatures great and small mark Whipsnade’s 80th

Creatures great and small marked the occasion by investigating supersize 80 foam figures that were placed in their enclosures.

Lemurs licked the giant numbers, as keepers had covered them in jam and raisins for their pleasure, and the meerkats used them as a new climbing frame.

Elephant Kaylee sized up to eight foot high chunky versions of the 80, which she seemed to like as a new plaything.

Whipsnade Zoo first opened its gates on May 23, 1931, as Europe’s first open zoo and is celebrated today as a much-respected and world renowned conservation and breeding centre.

Zoological director David Field said: “80 years of history, of learning conservation techniques and applying the knowledge to conservation is something to really celebrate.

“Society is increasingly urban so we are becoming increasingly detached from nature. Zoos are a great way of bridging that gap and making people care – particularly the new generations.

“We need to build, within all people, a respect for nature and a desire to care for it. If we don’t, there won’t be anywhere for animals to go back to in the future.”

Celebrations for the anniversary include a special two for one offer for visitors this week, until Friday.

Birthday activities also take place throughout half term, from Saturday.

In addition, a specially-created outdoor photo exhibition has been set up on the lawns near the plinth of the zoo’s founder, Sir Peter Chalmers-Mitchell.

And there was one extra special birthday present for the zoo. Mr Field said: “We celebrate everyday. Today we’ve had the birth of a moose on our 80th birthday, this wonderful little animal. What a way to celebrate.”