Lighting Up the Lion
Whipsnade’s White Lion lights up again, connecting generations of local history
Whipsnade’s White Lion lit up the hillside as part of the Zoological Society of London’s 200th anniversary celebrations. local competition winner Pearl Bardwell watched by guests including Rod Carden-Lovell, whose grandfather helped create the landmark more than 90 years ago.
Rod’s grandfather, Hugh Simmons, was a former miller who became superintendent at Whipsnade Zoo. He was also a keen astronomer, and his telescopes played an unexpected part in shaping the enormous chalk Lion.
Watch the moment the Lion lights up.
During its construction, one telescope was set up on Ivinghoe Beacon and another on Bison Hill. The team used flag signals to communicate adjustments, while white tea towels donated by local women helped mark out the outline. The Lion was completed at Easter 1933. The smaller of the telescopes was brought to the light up event as part of the celebration.
Rod has shared family photographs and his account of Hugh’s work with Whipsnade Zoo. Seeing the Lion illuminated brought that family history back to the hillside where it began.
The Zoo plans to light the White Lion every Wednesday at dusk until the end of 2026. Read Rod’s account of its creation and check Whipsnade’s illumination details.
Rod Carden-Lovell is the father of Bee Local’s editor, Andrena Carden-Higgins.
Featured image: Rod Carden-Lovell with the smaller telescope and the images of his grandfather.
read the Rod’s Bee Local story on page 15 Summer 25 edition https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/drwqb/
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