Yorkshire Wildlife Park Ready For Easter Fun with Entertainment, Adventure and Adorable New Arrivals

Thinking about how to fill the school holidays? Finding a brilliant day out that the whole family will actually enjoy can be a bit of a mission. But it looks like something big is happening over in Yorkshire this Easter. The award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park is pulling out all the stops, planning a huge Easter event packed with entertainment, amazing animals, and even some brand-new arrivals. From Saturday 28th March until Sunday 12th April, the park is transforming into a hub of non-stop family fun. It’s not just about seeing the incredible wildlife; there are live shows, fairground rides, and an Easter trail that promise a proper adventure.

An egg-cellent Easter adventure awaits

This isn't your average trip to see some animals. For the Easter holidays, the park is adding a whole new layer of fun. Imagine wandering through the grounds and stumbling upon live shows. One of the main events is an ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ performance, featuring Alice, the Red Queen, and the ever-late White Rabbit. It’s the kind of energetic entertainment that brings a bit of magic to the day. For the younger visitors, there's also a show with the park's very own mascot, Victor the Polar bear, which is always a hit. These live shows are a great way to break up the day, giving everyone a chance to sit down and be wowed before heading off for the next wildlife encounter.

CEO John Minion shared his excitement about the planned activities.

“We are incredibly excited to bring a variety of live shows and entertainment for the whole Easter holidays. It brings an interactive element for families to their day at the Wildlife Park Resort, seeing amazing animals from around the world and enjoying all the other activities on offer. It is a full day out for families and visitors of all ages. Spring is always a busy period at the park, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to YWP. The Easter trail will send children on a hunt to discover the amazing characters in cabins along the Easter trail. Knocking on the doors will secure them a treat or a toy.”

Alongside the shows, there are also classic fairground rides to add to the buzz. The combination of incredible wildlife and special Easter activities means there’s something to keep everyone occupied. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant family adventure.

Say hello to the new arrivals

Spring is the season for new beginnings, and there has been a proper baby boom at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Visitors this Easter will be some of the first to meet the latest arrivals. There are young hyena cubs, whose mum, Noubia, joined the park from a Belgian zoo as part of an important European breeding programme. It’s a fantastic chance to see these often-misunderstood animals up close and learn about the conservation work happening behind the scenes. These new arrivals are a key part of protecting at-risk species.

The baby boom doesn't stop there. Four tiny cheetah cubs were born on Valentine's Day. While they’re still a bit too small to be out exploring their reserve, the park has set up a big screen with live camera coverage. This gives visitors a special peek into their world, watching as mum Darcy looks after her little ones. And then there's Neo, the Okapi calf. What's an Okapi? It’s a rare forest giraffe from Africa, with a stunning chocolate-brown coat and stripy legs like a zebra. Seeing this critically endangered and shy animal taking its first steps outside is a real treat. Not to be forgotten are Ali, the Amur leopard born last spring, and the trio of lion cubs who are celebrating their first birthday. It’s a park full of youthful energy!

A holiday for a polar bear?

It’s not just new babies making a splash. A very special guest has checked in for a temporary stay. Brodie, a magnificent polar bear, is on his holidays at the park all the way from Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland. His own enclosure is having some work done, so he’s come to Yorkshire for a change of scenery. He has reportedly settled in brilliantly and has been seen playing with Nobby, one of the six other resident polar bear boys at the park’s Project Polar. Having another polar bear at the park is a huge deal, offering visitors another chance to see one of the world's most impressive animals and learn about the challenges their species faces in the wild. This wildlife park is one of the best places to see this incredible species in the UK.

Don't want the adventure to end?

A day trip might not feel like enough time to see and do everything, especially with all the extra Easter entertainment. The good news is that the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is part of a wider resort, so families can extend the adventure with an overnight stay. The Hex Wildlife Hotel is right on-site, offering a range of stylish accommodation options. There are family rooms, luxurious suites, and accessible rooms, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Following an expansion in 2025, the hotel now has 25 extra rooms, some of which are 'Parkside' rooms with views over the maned wolf enclosure. Imagine waking up and seeing one of South America's most fascinating species from the hotel window!

The hotel is part of the Yorkshire Hive, a village at the entrance of the park with shopping, dining, and more entertainment. For dining, hotel guests and day visitors can choose from the Wilds Bistro or head to Evolution, a dinosaur-themed restaurant that’s a massive hit with kids. And speaking of kids, the Uproar! Playbarn is an indoor play area where they can burn off any leftover energy. Staying at the Hex Wildlife Hotel turns a great day out into a mini-break, with everything a family needs right there. The range of rooms and dining choices makes it a complete accommodation package for visitors who want to make the most of their wildlife experience. This resort really does offer a full package of activities and fun.