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Lots of New Animals and New Attractions for Groups in 2011 at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

There are some new faces on the block at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park for visitors to meet this year, a brand new Forest Adventure Playground and two exciting new animal attractions due to open in late spring/ summer.

New Babies!
In the African Plains there is a new Ankole Calf. Further up in the park, a baby guanaco has also been born – these hardy animals are the wild ancestors of the llama, and originate from the Andes. But by far and away the most colourful addition to the Park are the beautiful bright pink flamingos that recently arrived from Cricket St Thomas Zoo in Somerset and are now enjoying the lake with the less colourful ducks and geese.

Ankole Cattle : These cattle are famous for their magnificent horns which can span up to 6 feet in length (1.2m). They are a domestic species in Africa, not a wild animal.They are also known as Watusi Cattle and are bred by the Masai as a status symbol. They are used to provide protein for the tribe in the form of milk and blood taken from live animals rather than slaughtering them for meat. The new addition is a second calf for Louise and was born on 3rd February.

Guanaco : Designed to live high in the mountains in an inhospitable climate, the guanaco are as tough as you get. They look very similar to their domestic descendants, the llamas. The baby was born on 2nd February – a baby guanaco is known as a chulengo.

New Animals and Attractions for 2011
Flamingos – New for 2011 But by far and away the most colourful addition to the Park are the beautiful bright pink flamingos that recently arrived from Cricket St Thomas Zoo in Somerset and are now enjoying the lake with the rather less colourful ducks and geese. The bright pink colour of the flamingos comes from the proteins and nutrients in their diet – without these, they will revert to a dull grey! The upside down bill acts as a filter for food. This is unique to the flamingos.

Sitatunga Antelope- New for 2011 : These are shy antelope that live in the swamps and marshlands in Africa. They are adapted to live in the wet conditions, with broad feet and a high stepping gate. When they are chased by predators, they can run into the water and will hide under the water till danger has passed. These antelope arrived in December but are now out properly in the reserve for the first time, including a young calf who was born the day after the antelope arrived.

New for 2011 - Forest Adventure Playground
A new exciting play area for children will be open in the woods this February half term. The play area has been created by the expert team from Bewilderwood, a children’s attraction in Norfolk, the towers and climbing nets blend into the woods for a thrilling forest adventure.

Coming soon – Spring/ Summer 2011
New attractions are due to open in late spring/ early summer. Land of the Tigers will be home to two pairs of endangered Amur (Siberian) tigers. Land of the Tigers is set at the edge of the Park’s stunning wetlands British Nature Reserve and visitors will view the tigers in the woodlands from a 150m long walkway. A South American walkthrough is also due to open this summer with a unique mix of animals from that amazing continent.

Group Discounts
There is a discounted rate for an adult of £7.50 (£6.50 Senior) and £5.50 for a child aged 3 – 15 inclusive. This is a saving of up to £4.50 on the individual rate. Groups have to pre-book and must include 10 paying visitors or more. You can find out more on www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com . Groups can also book a ranger for a guided tour lasting approximately one hour of key areas of the Park. This is subject to availability and costs £2.50 per person, for a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 20 people per ranger.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is an award winning walkthrough wildlife experience based at Branton, Doncaster in South Yorkshire. The Park is open daily from 11 a.m. – 3.30p.m. but during February half term (19th - 27th February ) the Park will open at 10 with last entry at 3.30 p.m. and the park closes at 4 p.m. From March 11th 2011 when it will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more group details, check out the website on www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com, or to book just email the ticket office on reception@yorkshirewildlifepark.com or call 01302 535057