Whipsnade’s White Lion lights up for first time in 45 years
The rare illumination marks ZSL’s 200th anniversary
Last updated 24th Sep 2026
Whipsnade Zoo’s famous White Lion has been illuminated for the first time in 45 years, with dozens of people gathering to watch the landmark shine over the Bedfordshire countryside.
The 147-metre chalk carving was lit up as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of conservation charity ZSL.
It is only the third time in the Lion’s history that it has been illuminated. It was previously lit in 1952 and 1981.
For Rod Carden-Lovell, the occasion has a particularly personal significance. His grandfather, an astronomer, helped with the original creation of the Lion in 1933.
Rod says his grandfather helped set out the Lion’s dimensions using telescopes and semaphore signals between Ivinghoe Beacon and the hillside.
With no radios or mobile phones, flags were used to communicate instructions, while local residents donated white cloth, including dishcloths, tea towels and old sheets, to mark out the Lion before the digging began.
Rod says his grandfather would have been fascinated to see the Lion illuminated using modern LED technology.
“He would have been absolutely delighted to be able to see it,” Rod said.
The Lion has also recently undergone extensive restoration, with a team of around 30 Whipsnade volunteers spending three years clearing vegetation and restoring the landmark.
Volunteer Simon Reed said nearly 2,000 lights had been installed around its perimeter for the illumination.
He described the project as a “huge task”, with volunteers battling steep slopes, weeds and changing weather conditions to restore the Lion.
Now, the White Lion will be illuminated every Wednesday at dusk until the end of 2026.
Owen Craft, Whipsnade Zoo’s Director of Operations, said the weekly event is intended to be a “beacon of hope for wildlife”, highlighting ZSL’s conservation work.