London and Whipsnade Zoos will attempt to achieve the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the most contributions to a paint-by-numbers from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.
The masterpiece, which will be assessed by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, features 200 animals to celebrate the 200th birthday of ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo.
Artists and animal lovers of all ages will each play a part in bringing the large artwork to life by painting a section, helping to create a collaborative paint-by-numbers artwork as part of the record attempt.
Celebrating ZSL’s 200th anniversary year, the challenge is being attempted in tandem with Whipsnade Zoo’s sister site London Zoo, and more than 14,000 individuals are needed to help complete the creation*.
After painting their way into history, visitors to Whipsnade Zoo can discover more about ZSL’s 200 years protecting and conserving wildlife at a special, interactive heritage exhibition, as well as enjoy animal drawing classes, quizzes, dressing up and face painting, and a “Guess Zoo” game to test their animal knowledge. Sophia the camel calf, Mick the southern white rhino, and Leoni and Duke the reticulated giraffe calves are new and share their home with over 11,000 animals across Whipsnade Zoo’s sprawling 600 acres.
For two centuries, ZSL has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, working around the world to restore habitats, protect species, and inspire the next generation of animal advocates. Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps to support the vital conservation work of ZSL, meaning families can enjoy a half-term day out while contributing to the conservation of wildlife worldwide.
Running across May half term 2026, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title attempt and other activities are included with Zoo entry. Book tickets here.
* To register their attempt, visitors must download the GWR Verify app to log their participation in the world record at the Zoo.
