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New Animals on the scene for February Half Term at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

There are some new faces on the block at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park for visitors to meet this February half term and a brand new Forest Adventure Playground for children to enjoy. In the African Plains there is a new Ankole Calf and a new species of antelope has made its appearance in the reserves – the shy and beautiful swamp antelope, the Sitatunga. 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 slightly 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.

Sitatunga Antelope:  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.

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.

Flamingos: 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. To celebrate the arrival of the new flamingos, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is offering a Valentines special – instead of buying your Valentine half a dozen roses, you can adopt half a dozen pink flamingos! You can buy on line and there are more details on www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

New 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.

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 details and to book on line, check out the website on www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com, email the ticket office on reception@yorkshirewildlifepark.com  or call 01302 535057.