ZSL Whipsnade Zoo – Royal Unveiling of the Elephant Centre

Sound Fit for Royalty at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo 

In 2017, RG Jones was onsite to support a moment of national significance: the formal unveiling of the Centre for Elephant Care at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip. 

Our dual-role across Installations and Event Production enabled a seamless delivery. The Installations team had already spent years refining Whipsnade’s permanent audio infrastructure to support reliable, clear communication across various animal exhibits. For this high-profile occasion, our Hire department stepped in with discreet, high-quality PA and control systems to ensure every word of the royal speeches—and every joyful trumpet from the elephants—was heard. 

"It all went really well — the centre looks incredible, and Donna the elephant was very keen to whip her favourite treat from the Royal couple! The RG Jones team were extremely helpful and proactive throughout, professional and attentive, helping us deliver the event smoothly and in confidence."

— Event Manager, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Engineering for Conservation and Ceremony 

The newly unveiled £2 million Elephant Centre is now home to a herd of nine endangered Asian elephants. Designed with both animal welfare and visitor experience in mind, the centre includes soft sand flooring, automated dimming lights, feeding pods, and even robust oak trees for scratching. The site covers 20 acres, complete with a raised viewing platform integrated into the landscape. 

Among the highlights of the event was a special introduction to Elizabeth, the elephant calf born the day before the Queen’s 90th birthday and named in her honour. 

Trusted Audio Partner to ZSL 

RG Jones continues to provide both permanent AV infrastructure and temporary event support across ZSL’s properties, including London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. Our emphasis on minimal user supervision, long-term durability, and sympathetic installation ensures technology never disrupts the guest or animal experience. 

At a Glance

FeatureDetail

Client / Venue:

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo – Centre for Elephant Care Royal Opening

Challenge:

Deliver faultless audio for a royal event within a live zoo environment, balancing clarity, discretion, and animal welfare considerations.

Scope of Work:

Combined expertise from the Installations and Event Production teams to integrate existing site infrastructure with temporary PA and control systems for the royal unveiling by HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip.

Result:

Seamless sound coverage and operational excellence for a nationally significant event — reinforcing RG Jones’ trusted partnership with ZSL across Whipsnade and London Zoo.