Opened in by Jimmy Chipperfield. Woburn Safari Park is a safari park located in Woburn, Bedfordshire in the UK. Visitors to the park can drive through the large animal exhibits, which contain species such as White Rhinos, Elephants, Tigers and Black Bears. Woburn Safari Park first opened in 1970, established by the 13th Duke of Bedford on the grounds of his estate, Woburn Abbey, as a means to help improve the financial position of the estate and restore the Abbey, which had fallen into disrepair during the second world war. The 11th Duke of Bedford had been president of the Zoological Society and had introduced various species such as American Bison, deer and antelope to the park. Other features of Woburn Safari Park include an African Ungulate (hoofed) Conservation Centre as a focal point for conservation and breeding programs for endangered African species. The park also has a 40 acre leisure area featuring an Elephant Encounter area, Sea lion Displays and Birds of Prey demonstrations. There are also play facilities for young children and a restaurant. *wikipedia Head elephant keepers: 1986-1995: Bob Streatfeild 1995-2012: Lynne Thomson 2012: Terry Shelton
