Yorkshire Wildlife Park Yorkshire Wildlife Park News 2020

Anyone know how many Geladas they have, the sex ratio and from where they were obtained?

If I remember correctly a friend said they got 10 from Germany (I think Stuttgart?). But a different friend who visited recently post-lockdown told me she saw 13 animals, including young, so they may have had some babies born whilst the area was off-limits...?
 
Have any of the Annual Pass holders here had theirs extended and if so, how was it confirmed?
I was not initially going to seek an extension, but am now, with the intention of donating the cost of entry fees to them directly during the extension period. I emailed them and then phoned as per the reply's instruction. However, I was informed of the backlog, but not how I would receive confirmation.
 
Have any of the Annual Pass holders here had theirs extended and if so, how was it confirmed?
I was not initially going to seek an extension, but am now, with the intention of donating the cost of entry fees to them directly during the extension period. I emailed them and then phoned as per the reply's instruction. However, I was informed of the backlog, but not how I would receive confirmation.
Sorry can't help as my Annual Pass does not expire until 10th July, so I guess I'm not eligible for an extension.

Russ
 
If I remember correctly a friend said they got 10 from Germany (I think Stuttgart?). But a different friend who visited recently post-lockdown told me she saw 13 animals, including young, so they may have had some babies born whilst the area was off-limits...?
- I am told that there are currently: 9 adult females, 1 adult male (Harry), and 3 youngsters. Not 100% sure of course, but that is my understanding.

Russ
 
African elephants have been mentioned in the past but I've no idea whether there is any truth in that.
They would be a fantastic addition if they went ahead with them but this could be years off if confirmed
I visit regularly and have asked several keepers about elephants. They all said no. Although YWP are notoriously secretive about future developments, I definitely got the impression that elephants would not be coming.
 
Yes, I agree with you in terms of the elephant. I was thinking Gorillas may be more likely for that exhibit. However it will be a long wait to find out.

In terms of your own guesses very sensible and I do hope they are correct as it would be an exciting species line up.
I know someone who is convinced that gorillas are on their way from another zoo.
 
I can't claim to know which lion is which but I can confirm that today the six lions were out in three pairs (1.1, 1.1, 0.2) so it does appear one of the trio has been moved to be with Ares. :)
That would be Julie, one of the three sisters. They were trying it before lockdown but now they seem to be together full time.
 
There are rumours circulating that Rasputin (polar bear) may be moving on to pastures new, although I must stress nothing is set in stone. The stud book seem to have found him a compatible female, Friida, at Tallinn Zoo in Estonia. This would make sense from a stud book point of view as he is a viable breeding male and Flocke will not be ready to breed again for at least a couple of years. The keepers did say this was a probable outcome back before the park closed in March, it is unclear whether this will affect the future plans for Flocke. Of the four other bears (Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby) the most likely to be moved for breeding purposes would be Nissan as he is the offspring of a wild caught parent and therefore the most genetically valuable, there has been no talk of breeding with any of these three at the moment, however (Victor has been retired from the breeding programme as he has sired 17 cubs and has 19 grandchildren).
 
There are rumours circulating that Rasputin (polar bear) may be moving on to pastures new, although I must stress nothing is set in stone. The stud book seem to have found him a compatible female, Friida, at Tallinn Zoo in Estonia. This would make sense from a stud book point of view as he is a viable breeding male and Flocke will not be ready to breed again for at least a couple of years. The keepers did say this was a probable outcome back before the park closed in March, it is unclear whether this will affect the future plans for Flocke. Of the four other bears (Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby) the most likely to be moved for breeding purposes would be Nissan as he is the offspring of a wild caught parent and therefore the most genetically valuable, there has been no talk of breeding with any of these three at the moment, however (Victor has been retired from the breeding programme as he has sired 17 cubs and has 19 grandchildren).

Yes, I heard that. It would be a shame for all us regular visitors. We have really taken Raspi to our hearts while he’s been in quarantine and we were really looking forward to him joining the other boys.
 
TBH: YWP was lucky to be allowed to get both male and female polar bear fairly soon on opening their exhibit(s). Being part of the EAZA/EEP and the animals on loan being at the discretion of other zoos and EEP/EAZA means the species coordinator decides who gets to go where.

Personally, probably a good thing the male Rasputin now has a breeding recommendation at Tallinn Zoo. If we care to look overseas to US and Canada the North American AZA the situation is not so rosy.
 
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