whipsnade zoo: how to tackle it with a toddler?

[duckcentral]

We were planning to go to Whipsnade zoo (or rather Whipsnade wild animal park as it is called on the internet - I assume this is the same things?) next week. Ds is 3 years. will he enjoy it? how do you suggest we approach it ie do you drive around like Woburn or do you park and wander on foot? Are there particular animals/routines worth seeing? is there a children's zoo where animals can be petted?

I tried the website but found it very unuser friendly so grateful for any tips on how to get the best out of the day for ds.

Also, seems really expensive. do you always pay the £1.50 "voluntary contribution"? do you really have to pay parking on top of an entry ticket?

Thanks

DC

I live a few miles away from Whipsnade and go a lot (mine are 6,5 and 23 months). I always walk round but there is a bus that stops off at the main attractions. With a 3 year old you would need a buggy as it covers a huge area. The best things at the moment are the lions because they have cubs, sealions, bird show, penguin feeding. My lot like odd things like the bears, zebras and giraffes.
There is a children's farm but it's not a petting zoo. The Discovery Centre is quite good too and there's a room where they can do colouring, make a badge etc (extra cost though). It is expensive but we have annual passes as we do go a lot. And yes, I'm afraid the car park is £3.50 on top of the ticket. HOwever, we rate it higher than Woburn.

Oh yes, do bring a picnic - the cafe is too small and v.expensive!

Thanks KateF.

bump for any other thoughts?