Yorkshire Wildlife Park

In Brief.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is essentially a Zoo in a rural setting. Thus the site is particularly green, like an area of countryside, that happens to contain a variety of fenced-off enclosures. These house a wide range of animals from throughout the world, as diverse as Polar Bears and Tigers. The enclosures are typically substantial, often with different types of terrain, and there is a large wetland area for local wildlife.

Lunchtime for the giraffes.

What's Here?

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park was established in 2009, and thus is a modern take on the traditional zoo.  This translates into enclosures that include fields and/or wooded areas, with little use of concrete and absolutely nothing resembling a cage. 

The park is entered through a new area known as The Hive, which includes a modern shopping centre and a hotel. This includes the expected Safari Store with cuddly wildlife and animal themed merchandise, but there are also a variety of clothes, craft and household shops, so probably The Hive is a destination in its own right. 

The entrance leads to what seems like a recently developed area around a natural wetland, which includes the Californian Sea Lions, the Himalayan Pass (with Red Pandas and Otters) and the Cheetah Territory. This then connects with the original area of the park over a walkway.  The original area includes various themed zones such as Into Africa (including the giraffes and the rhinos that I somehow missed) and a substantial Polar Bear space modelled after non-winter conditions in Canada.  Each area includes a few facts on each of the animals, and there are several presentations by wardens throughout the day.  There are also several zones where visitors can share the same space as the animals, for example in the Wallaby Walkabout.

A formidable polar bear on the move.

Overall, the park gives a good impression. The animals seem to be in good condition, and to have varied habitats through which to wander. In comparison with other Zoos, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park doesn't quite have the remarkable diversity of Chester Zoo, but benefits from a much more substantial site than Blackpool Zoo.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 62 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Price: $$$

Parking: On-site parking is included.  

Food and Drink: There are several different types of eatery throughout the site.  

Retail therapy: The Wildlife Park is adjacent to The Hive, a modern retail area with an eclectic collection of shops and a few restaurants. 

Child Friendly: The park is very much targeted at kids; as well as the animals and some animatronic dinosaurs, there are several play areas.

Toilets: Yes - throughout the site.

Do it justice in: 4 hours

Inside-Outside: 10:90.


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