ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Dear Zoo Trail

On Saturday we had an early start as we headed to Whipsnade Zoo as we were asked to a special VIP breakfast event. The event was celebrating the Dear Zoo trail which is on from 27th May til 4th June in time for half term. The book Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is celebrating its 35th birthday this year which is super exciting as it's a book that we love. 




On arrival to the zoo at approx 8:30am we were shown to the marquee where breakfast was provided for us. There was a selection of pastries on offer as well as orange juice, teas and coffee and of course prosecco. They also started to hand out delicious Dear Zoo birthday cupcakes while there were speeches from the Zoo manager and Rod Campbell himself.  



Once the speeches were done we then headed over to the interactive story hub where it was officially opened by Rod Campbell. Inside we listened to Rod Campbell read his own story before queuing to have a copy of his book signed. 

We were then given a trail card which was stamped with a camel already as they don't have any at the zoo. Then we got to go off and find all of the other six real life versions of the animals. 




The trail card has a map on the back so that you know where to find the stamps that you need to collect. We headed off to find my favourite zoo animal first Giraffes they were definitely too tall to have as a pet just like the book. We then went in search of the rest of the animals that we needed to find plus spotting other animals that aren't included in the story on our way round.  Half way through our time at the zoo we stopped off at the indoor play area however Blake was getting tired and hungry so we stayed only for a short period before finding somewhere to have our picnic that we brought with us. We then finished of the trail and collected Blake's sticker before heading to look in the gift shop and then home. 





Whilst we were at the event we were also given a Dear Zoo goodie bag for Blake which included a special 35 year anniversary copy of the book, a poster, stickers, activity sheets and a cuddly lion. 

 We had such a lovely time doing the Dear Zoo trail and if you are looking for something to do this half term I fully recommend it.




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