The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Whipsnade
Double-breasted zookeepers offer elephant rides, hyenas, flamingoes, kangaroos, ostriches, lions, tigers, polar bears and peacocks.
From the collection of:
Overview
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, as it is now branded, opened in May 1931 – a little over a year before this film was made, and is Britain’s largest zoo and wildlife park, spreading over 600 acres. The only other zoo owned and run by ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park. Some of the larger animals featured in the film are most likely those taken on from a bankrupt travelling menagerie, and some were walked to the park from nearby Dunstable station.
The Zoological Society of London (now known as ZSL) bought land and opened the first zoological garden for fellows of the Society only, in 1828. It is the world’s oldest scientific zoo and was often referred to as Regent’s Zoo due to its location in the north-east corner of Regents Park in central London. The Society was awarded a Royal Charter the following year, but the general public had to wait until 1847 to be granted access.
Related
New Architecture at the London Zoo New Architecture at the London Zoo
Documentary 1937 16 mins Silent Location: Whipsnade
Penguins get the VIP treatment in this artistic look at the Zoo's visionary 1930s revamp.
ECA Conference and Whipsnade Zoo ECA Conference and Whipsnade Zoo
Amateur film 1934 7 mins Silent Location: Matlock
Join Sydney Bligh and his fellow delegates as they tour Derbyshire spa towns, visit castles and cathedrals and still have time to see the animals at Whipsnade Zoo
Monkey Mischief at Whipsnade Monkey Mischief at Whipsnade
Home movie 1930 15 mins Silent Location: Whipsnade
A spot of mischief on Chimpanzee Island attracts a large crowd at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in this home movie footage captured in the 1930s.
Whipsnade Zoological Park Whipsnade Zoological Park
Amateur film 1936 4 mins Silent Location: Whipsnade
The Cox family, from Warwickshire, visit Whipsnade Zoo where they commune with a parrot. Once home, their beloved dog, Smut, is given a bath in the garden.
Chimps Tea Party at Whipsnade Chimps Tea Party at Whipsnade
Home movie 1930 21 mins Silent Location: Whipsnade
Chimps take afternoon tea in this home movie, also featuring mammals, birds, and reptiles from all continents, resident at Whipsnade Zoo.
Roaming Wallabies at Whipsnade Roaming Wallabies at Whipsnade
Home movie 1930 19 mins Silent Location: Whipsnade
Dunstable Downs is not the usual habitat for roaming wallabies, unless, of course, you’re visiting Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in the 1930s.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.