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Whipsnade Zoo lion to be renovated with tonnes of chalk Whipsnade Zoo lion to be renovated with tonnes of chalk
(about 11 hours later)
Volunteers regularly scale the steep slope to remove weedsVolunteers regularly scale the steep slope to remove weeds
A hillside lion that is seen as a regional landmark is due to be restored using 1,100 tonnes of chalk.A hillside lion that is seen as a regional landmark is due to be restored using 1,100 tonnes of chalk.
The animal near Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is thought to be the largest hill figure in England.The animal near Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is thought to be the largest hill figure in England.
The zoo said maintaining the lion was an "enormous" job because of weed growth, but that new chalk would make the task easier.The zoo said maintaining the lion was an "enormous" job because of weed growth, but that new chalk would make the task easier.
Volunteer Anne James, who helped remove weeds, described the project as "fantastic".Volunteer Anne James, who helped remove weeds, described the project as "fantastic".
Anne James lives in Hemel Hempstead and says the lion has been an important part of her lifeAnne James lives in Hemel Hempstead and says the lion has been an important part of her life
Ms James, 74, regularly takes a rake to the steep slope to remove unwanted plants, and was volunteering there on Thursday.Ms James, 74, regularly takes a rake to the steep slope to remove unwanted plants, and was volunteering there on Thursday.
Her mother saw construction of the lion in the early 1930s and her children "loved it".Her mother saw construction of the lion in the early 1930s and her children "loved it".
After two years of volunteering to clean up the lion she said "everybody is saying how wonderful it is to see it again".After two years of volunteering to clean up the lion she said "everybody is saying how wonderful it is to see it again".
Volunteers use trowels, rakes, axes and hoes to remove weedsVolunteers use trowels, rakes, axes and hoes to remove weeds
In 2023, the former Mayor of Dacorum Gbola Adeleke said he was concerned the figure was not being maintained properly and he offered to buy it.In 2023, the former Mayor of Dacorum Gbola Adeleke said he was concerned the figure was not being maintained properly and he offered to buy it.
The zoo said it was not for sale.The zoo said it was not for sale.
Horticulture team leader Ben Mawhood said maintaining the lion was an "enormous" job.Horticulture team leader Ben Mawhood said maintaining the lion was an "enormous" job.
He said the work "got a lot harder" in the 1980s when the area was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which meant pesticides could not be used and weeding must be done by hand.He said the work "got a lot harder" in the 1980s when the area was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which meant pesticides could not be used and weeding must be done by hand.
David Jones started volunteering after looking at the lion from nearby Ivinghoe BeaconDavid Jones started volunteering after looking at the lion from nearby Ivinghoe Beacon
Volunteer David Jones, 75, said the lion was an "iconic part" of his life and a year ago the lion looked "green" because of the number of weeds.Volunteer David Jones, 75, said the lion was an "iconic part" of his life and a year ago the lion looked "green" because of the number of weeds.
He said the lion should look "brilliant" once the work was completed.He said the lion should look "brilliant" once the work was completed.
New chalk was last added in 2018 and the zoo said it wanted the lion to look "spectacular" for next year's 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London, the charity that runs the zoo.New chalk was last added in 2018 and the zoo said it wanted the lion to look "spectacular" for next year's 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London, the charity that runs the zoo.
The 147m-long (483ft) structure was designed by RB Brook-Greaves and was covered in World War Two to prevent it from assisting German pilots with navigation.The 147m-long (483ft) structure was designed by RB Brook-Greaves and was covered in World War Two to prevent it from assisting German pilots with navigation.
The new chalk is due to be laid this summer.The new chalk is due to be laid this summer.
LISTEN: Whipsnade white lion to shine for ZSL’s 200th
Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.