24 May 2011Last updated at 09:30

In pictures: Whipsnade Zoo celebrates 80th birthday

Whipsnade Zoo celebrates its 80th birthday, with a little help from Kaylee the elephant

Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is celebrating its 80th birthday.

To mark the occasion, the numbers 8 and 0 have been added to the enclosures of some of the zoo’s animals.

Whipsnade Zoo celebrates its 80th birthday

It is now a much-respected and world renowned conservation and breeding centre.

Whipsnade Zoo's ring-tailed lemurs take an interest in the 80 sign

The Madagascan ring-tailed lemurs were keen to explore the new addition to their enclosure.

A series of heritage panels at locations around the zoo will form a permanent display of the zoo’s history and landmarks.

Zoological Director David Field said: "ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has, in its 80 years, gone from strength to strength, acting as a focus point for education and raising awareness of the plight of some of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals.

“Today it still provides a wonderful day out in an unrivalled setting. At Whipsnade we can honestly say that at the grand old age of 80 – we’ve only just begun," he said.

Beds, Herts & Bucks

In pictures: Whipsnade Zoo celebrates 80th birthday

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