Shake off the Winter Blues for a Fun-Filled Day out for the Whole Family This February Half-Term

Let's be honest, February half term can sometimes feel a bit gloomy. The excitement of Christmas is a distant memory, and spring still seems ages away. Finding something to do that gets the whole family out of the house and genuinely entertained can be a challenge. But there’s a place in Yorkshire that’s absolutely buzzing with life and guarantees a day filled with adventure, no matter the weather. The award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park is planning a full week of fun from the 14th to the 22nd of February, offering a brilliant way to shake off those winter blues.

Animal romances and conservation heroes

Kicking off the half term is Valentine's Day, and it seems love is in the air for the animals as well as the humans. The park has a number of famous animal couples who are not just adorable to watch but are also playing a massive part in protecting their species. It’s a real-life love story with a very important mission. This focus on pairing animals is a cornerstone of the park's conservation efforts, contributing to global programmes that help protect endangered species.

There has been a surge in bookings for special Valentine's Afternoon Tea and animal adoption packages, celebrating some of the park's most successful pairings. Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the Director of Animals, shared some of their amazing stories:

“We have several famous couples at the Park. Cheetahs Darcy and Brooke, who became parents to two cubs in May 2024, arrived as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. They were first introduced on Valentine’s Day in 2024 and will be spending their two-year anniversary in their 2.5-acre Cheetah territory, which is one of the largest in Europe. Drake and Kristen have also had significant breeding success. The Amur leopard pair welcomed Auckley in 2023 and Lewis and Ali in 2025. They can be found in Leopard Heights, which has been expertly designed for breeding. It is a significant success as they are the most endangered big cat on the planet. Altai, the magnificent Amur tiger, arrived at the park in 2025. We remain hopeful that Altai and Tschuna can be introduced successfully and contribute to the European Endangered Species Programme to protect this endangered species. Black Rhinos Jasper and Najuma are also back together. The birth of Rocco in January 2024 represented a huge milestone for one of the rarest mammals on Earth. Hopefully, the couple can contribute further to conservation success.”

Welcoming bears and rescued lions

Beyond the romantic tales, the park is home to some seriously impressive residents. Project Polar is a must-see, housing the largest number of polar bears in Europe. The latest arrival is a bear named Brodie, who is on a bit of a holiday from Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland while his own enclosure gets a makeover. He’s already made a new friend in 12-year-old Nobby, and visitors have been delighted to see the two of them enjoying the huge reserve and deep lake. It’s fantastic that he has some good company during his stay.

Another incredibly moving area of the park is Lion Country. This part of the park is not just a home for lions; it’s a sanctuary. It was originally established for 13 lions rescued from truly awful conditions in a Romanian zoo back in 2010. Today, it’s home to two prides of lions rescued from the war zone in Ukraine. A group of seven, including three playful cubs, live together, while another pride of three, Oleg, Rafael and Shanti, have their own reserve. These lions arrived deeply traumatised, but now they are settled, happy, and thriving in their new Yorkshire home. Seeing them is a powerful reminder of the importance of animal welfare and rescue missions.

Say hello to Neo the baby okapi

The newest arrival to the whole Yorkshire Wildlife Park family is a tiny okapi calf named Neo, who was born in December. If you’re wondering what an okapi is, imagine a creature that looks a bit like a cross between a giraffe, a horse, and a zebra. They are incredibly shy and gentle animals, with a dark, velvety coat and striking striped legs. They are a rare sight, as this endangered species lives deep in the forests of Africa, making their exact number in the wild unknown. Neo’s birth is a brilliant example of how zoos and wildlife parks work together. His mum, Ruby, was sent to Chester Zoo to meet a male named Stomp, returning to the park a few months pregnant. This little calf is a hugely important addition to the breeding programme for this endangered species. He’s not quite ready to explore the great outdoors yet, but visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him through a special viewing window.

Dinosaurs, dining, and places to play

While the animals are the main event, there’s so much more to this family experience. There’s a full programme of ranger talks throughout the day, where visitors can learn fascinating facts about the animals and their care. Plus, the daily carnivore feeding at 2pm is always a popular spectacle. But what if you fancy seeing something a bit more… prehistoric? Visitors can step back in time at Pangea, an immersive dinosaur experience with over 30 life-sized, roaring dinosaurs. From the massive T-Rex to sneaky velociraptors, it’s a thrilling adventure right in the middle of Yorkshire.

When it’s time for a break, The Hive, located at the park entrance, offers free-admission shopping, entertainment, and a choice of dining options. Whether it’s a coffee and cake at the Wild Café-Bistro or a themed meal at the Evolution restaurant, there’s plenty to choose from. And for the kids who still have energy to burn, the giant Uproar! indoor play barn is the perfect solution.

Stay a little longer

A day might not feel like enough time to see everything this incredible park has to offer. For families wanting to make a proper break of it, the Hex Wildlife Hotel is located right at the entrance. A select number of its rooms even overlook the park, so you can wake up with a view of the wildlife. This February half term, the company is running a special offer where kids stay for free, which includes free breakfast and park entry when they share a room with a paying adult. It makes a fun-filled day out into a mini-holiday. No matter what the weather decides to do, a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park promises a fantastic and educational experience for the entire family, packed with amazing animals and unforgettable moments.