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Yorkshire Wildlife Park Yorkshire Wildlife Park News 2021
- Thread starter Pantherinae
- Start date
I look forward to hearing what you think of the changes
And the map has updated again with proper details of the Atlantic Forest area and a big 'coming soon' on Point Lobos...
Park Map | Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Park Map | Yorkshire Wildlife Park
I haven't been here since 2012 so I have a lot of new things to see if I make it back up there, and there are a few species they keep that I have never seen before (Polar Bear, Maned Wolf, Guinea Baboon, Gelada, Spotted Hyena etc).
I really can't understand why YWP has opted to relocate the entrance and all of its associated add-on retail outlets to the new part of the site. I wonder what they'll do with those lovely shops, or for that matter the old car park? I expect someone will defend them but it just seems like a massive waste of money to me as the previous entrance area and shopping 'village' was really excellent!
On a more positive note, some very nice new additions to the animal collection!
On a more positive note, some very nice new additions to the animal collection!
I think the access from the motorway to the old entrance being along a narrow and genteel residential street might have something to do with it..!
There aren't many residents who would be happy with the summer queues stopping them getting them out of their drives - and this certainly happens. I've seen cars literally driving along the pavement for a few car lengths due to this problem. The street pre-dates the zoo so the residents are within their rights to object.
Also, as it happens, I really don't think the old entrance was anything special. It got very crowded very easily in the queueing area. The cafe is lovely but also doesn't have much queueing room.
The map linked above shows that the 'old' shop and cafe are still in use, and at least part of the old car park is still being used as a coach park. It's about increasing overall capacity and, I strongly suspect, re-routing the main traffic flow from the motorway from residential streets onto more suitable roads. It actually has very strong parallels with when Chester's entrance was moved in the 1990s.
I would hoe they keep the court yard open at least the gift shop and cafe and visitor info if not the independent shops hopefully from a personal veiw the smoking area there as an option on both sides of the park for us dwelling few
. As for the land I wouldn’t be surprised if some the the land along side the road at the entrance doesn’t go for building land to raise some funds
I would hoe they keep the court yard open at least the gift shop and cafe and visitor info if not the independent shops hopefully from a personal veiw the smoking area there as an option on both sides of the park for us dwelling few
As above, the main shop and cafe in the courtyard area are still indicated on the new map so seem to be still in use. The small independent shops have relocated to the new entrance - full list is here if you scroll down to the bottom: YWP is becoming bigger, wilder and better from April 12th - Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Seems to be all the existing shops still, from memory, plus a few.
Also confirmation there that the male maned wolf has moved from Paignton Zoo.
Emily Grant
New Member
Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster here.
As a local and someone who works very close to the new YWP entrance, I can't say the new entrance location is a popular decision. The roads outside local schools (a primary school, high school and 6th form college in the very immediate vicinity of the new entrance) are already rammed at 4pm. I'm dreading my commute now the entrance has moved. The new entrance is also via a very narrow railway bridge. Local residents made their thoughts on increased traffic known to YWP but the new entrace went ahead anyway.
That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing what they've done with the place.
Welcome to Zoochat Emily.
At the end of the day it's the local council authority which makes the decisions about placement of entrances etc. I don't know this side of the park in respect of roads as we are not 'local' so will be interesting to see when we next visit.
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
This would have been subject to a planning application made to the local District Council, who would have delegated the matter to the County Highways Department. A formal consultation process would be needed involving all affected parties including local residents, individually and via their Parish Councils. Representations should be made to any (or all) of these departments.
Unfortunately the park is down to one hyena cub, I am unsure which one is still alive as there were no keepers around to ask, having spoken to some other people, it appears that one killed the other. This seems to be a common occurrence with hyenas and given that both were male and one was noticeably smaller than the other and I believe was being hand reared it is not really surprising. It is however, unfortunate that this news was not made public given that they are a very popular animal.
It doesn't surprise me at all that they didn't announce it at all to be honest, YWP are rubbish are announcing anything that might be considered 'negative'. I know all zoos like to focus on the positives but I do find them to be a lot worse than most at admitting to things like this which are often perfectly natural.
Anyway, moaning aside - thanks for sharing this news. Its sad, but one healthy pup would still be a really good success for the park and hopefully might be the first of many?
Visited whipsnade today and the sea lions are no longer there,must be settling in at YWP before being announced.