Press Success At ZSL Whipsnade zoo
I was asked by the press team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to photograph a newly born François’ langur, notable for its orange-coloured new-born coat. The images were supplied for the zoo’s press release and have since been widely published: featured in 34 outlets, including BBC News, The Times, The Sun, The Guardian, and Daily Mail, and broadcast on television platforms such as ITV’s Good Morning Britain and BBC Look East.
Technical and logistical notes:
Shooting conditions: indoor primate enclosure with limited natural light required careful exposure control and use of available light to avoid disturbing the animals.
Equipment: long telephoto lens to maintain respectful distance, fast prime for low-light situations, and careful framing to capture both the infant’s distinctive colouration and context within the family group.
Ethics and welfare: all work was conducted under the guidance of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo staff to prioritize the animals’ well-being; no flash or intrusive techniques were used.
Since this press release, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has seen a surge of visitors eager to see the orange monkey.
The striking, unusually coloured primate has captured public imagination and driven significant increases in attendance. Families, photographers, and social media influencers are traveling from across the region to catch a glimpse and take photographs. Zoo staff report higher visitor numbers on weekends and school holidays, with some days reaching capacity earlier than expected.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has responded by:
Increasing volunteers and keepers’ presence around the exhibit to manage crowds and ensure animal welfare.
Implementing timed-entry viewing windows to reduce stress for the primate and improve visitor experience.
Providing additional educational signage and keeper talks to explain the animal’s condition, care protocols, and the importance of animal welfare.
Enhancing visitor facilities and directing traffic flow to minimize congestion in sensitive zones.
The zoo emphasizes that the primate’s coloration is a naturally occurring variation and that the animal is in good health under veterinary supervision. Management is asking visitors to respect viewing guidelines: keep noise levels down, refrain from tapping on glass or attempting to feed the animals, and follow staff instructions.
This increased attention has also created opportunities for conservation messaging and fundraising. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo plans to use the heightened interest to promote broader conservation programs, encourage membership sign-ups, and solicit donations to support animal care and habitat preservation initiatives.
For photographers visiting the zoo, staff recommend using longer lenses to avoid crowding the exhibit and adhering to the zoo’s photography policies to protect both the animals and fellow visitors. Lee Button Photography’s portfolio captures similar moments of wildlife curiosity and can offer inspiration for respectful, high-quality animal photography.
