All Change and exciting new arrivals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park for reopening on April 12th

New animals, a new reserve, a new purpose - built entrance and the first phase of a new visitor complex will surprise visitors when Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, reopens on Monday April 12th. With the opening of the new entrance, visitors will see the preliminary phase of the Yorkshire Hive development taking shape and during 2021 more attractions, restaurants and shopping will open.

A pair of recently arrived Lowland Tapir, Maned Wolves and  a pack of Bush Dogs will make their debut in the new reserve Atlantic Forest which is the first of the reserves to open in 2021 as part of the Park’s expansion project. These three species are all found in the threatened habitat of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica) in South America. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation charity works with the conservation organisation WildCare in Misiones, Argentina helping protect and create wildlife corridors for the animals that live in the Atlantic Forest.

Staff are working hard to prepare the site and the reopened park will have wide ranging safety precautions including advance booking only, restrictions on visitor numbers, controlled time slots for visits and clear social distancing marking and messaging and increased cleaning protocols. The 175 acre park has over 5km of pathways and lots of outdoor space for visitors to enjoy. 

Chief Executive John Minion is delighted to be reopening and also to be taking the major step in the next phase for Yorkshire Wildlife Park. ‘ we are delighted to have been given the green light to reopen the Park. So much has changed from our new entrance to our new arrivals in Atlantic Forest. We have been planning the expansion for several years now, so to be taking the first step of opening the new entrance and  the first new reserve Atlantic Forest is amazing. This is only a small part of our plans  for the next few years so watch this space and as restrictions lift over the coming months, we will be opening more exciting new developments.

We are really looking forward to being able to reopen all our outdoor play areas and outdoor café seating areas and  thi swill add a great extra dimension to a day out at the park. We are well practised now at implementing Covid precautions and we are lucky to be an outdoor attraction on an spacious site. Let’s hope that 2021 turns around to be a good year for all tourism  in Yorkshire. ‘

The New Animals in Atlantic Forest

The maned wolf  (Chrysocyon brachyus ) is the most striking of the new arrivals. Having evolved to live in high grass savannas, the long legged maned wolves has a thick red coat, distinctive black markings and tall, erect ears. It is the largest canid of South America. Though It looks more like a long-legged fox than a wolf, genetic studies show that it is neither fox nor a true wolf, but a distinct species. Weighing up to 30 kg, they are endemic to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. YWP’s new residents are Ibera, a two year old female who has come from Nuremburg Zoo in Germany and Axenus, a four year old male from Paignton Zoo.

They are solitary animals in the wild, so do not live in packs nor do they howl. Instead, they communicate through scent marking and with a loud call know as roar-barking. They will tap their front foot on the ground to flush out prey from the grass and will jump up on their long legs to catch birds in flight. Although classified as carnivores, they are omnivores and in the wild up to 40% of their diet can be fruit. The maned wolf is classified as near threatened as the population is declining and fragmented as their habitat reduces.

Matilda and Luna, the two female Lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris ) aged 3 and 4 respectively, are settling in well and are sure to become firm favourites with rangers and visitors alike. Tapir use their mobile flexible snouts to browse leaves and pick up fruits, but they are also great swimmers and use them as a snorkel. The spiky thick hair on the nape of the neck is to protect that vulnerable area which is exactly where jaguars would target their attack. Weighing up to 225kg and up to 1.8m in length, they are not small animals and are more closely related to rhinos or horses that pigs.

The third species to arrive in the Atlantic Forest is the active and curious bushdog (Speothos venaticus). Tiny Tim, the new resident male has been very recently joined by three females. They live and hunt in small family packs. Just 5 -8 kg in weight, in the wild they live in the lowland forest, wet savannah and river habitats and have evolved partially webbed feet to help them swim better. Only the dominant pair will breed and the rest of the pack are subordinate and will help rear and protect the cubs. They are carnivores and will hunt agouti, capybara and even larger prey such as rhea. They hunt during the day and hide in their dens at night away from jaguars. Their disappearing habitat means that they are now classified as near threatened.

‘ We are delighted how the new animals are settling in,’ said Animal Manager Rick Newton. ‘ It is fascinating to have three very different species as part of the new reserve and I am sure that visitors will be excited to see them. The bush dogs are particularly active and inquisitive, I am sure they will become big favourites here. ‘

Shopping in the Hive

Offering another new aspect for visitors, there is a new leisure shopping offer at the free - admission entrance. It is a select mix of local independent shops and boutiques where visitors may browse for artisan food and drink, delicious sweet treats and confectionary, homeware, cards and accessories. The wide range of products continues with children’s clothes, stunning African art and wildlife photography and a new plants for the garden.

The Shops

Safari Store:  A visit to YWP is not complete without a call into the Safari Store. Gifts, toys and lot more distinctive animal themed products are on offer here and visitors can also support the charity, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation by buying an animal adoption.

Cornerstone Coffee: Highest quality locally sourced produce, but brought with Italian passion, is on offer in this independent coffee shop.

Peppers of Yorkshire: All things Yorkshire! A good selection of locally sourced eco-friendly food, clothing, toiletries, books and more.

Flourish: A range of plants, unique gift boxes, quirky signs.. everything to brighten up your great outdoors.

Tinkaboo’s A great collection from unique Spanish babywear to designer children’s wear.

Wild Photography: Stunning photography of some of the world’s amazing animals, African arts, distinctive gifts and accessories.

Laura’s Confectionary: Tasty fudge in popular flavours such as salted caramel and clotted cream, sweet pouches including such favourites as rhubarb and custard sticks and much more.

Badger Pantry: Craft beers and gins, preserves, chutneys, pies and pastries are just some of the great produce on offer.

The new entrance is off Hurst Lane, near to Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the new postcode for satnav is DN9 3QY. Advance Tickets are on sale now at www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com