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Inspiration • May 20th, 2026
|Families looking for something special to do this May half-term can find plenty of excitement at the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park. With new attractions, adorable animal arrivals, and a variety of activities, the park promises a fantastic day out for people of all ages.
New Attractions and Arrivals
One of the highlights this season is the newly opened Malaysian Singing Forest Gibbon reserve. Visitors can now watch as the playful gibbons swing through the trees, adding a lively atmosphere to the park.
Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the Director of Animals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, expressed enthusiasm about introducing these charming animals to guests:
“We’re excited to introduce visitors to our latest arrivals, who will be making the most of the spring sunshine this Bank Holiday weekend.”
The park is also celebrating a remarkable baby boom this spring, with several new arrivals that are sure to delight visitors:
Cheetah cubs born on Valentine’s Day, who can be seen via a screen in their house at Cheetah Territory.
An Okapi calf named Neo, who is quickly becoming a favourite among guests.
An infant Titi monkey and an adorable albino Joey that are enjoying the warmer weather.
Two capybaras named Chip and Dale, now residing in the Amazonas walkthrough.
A new Red Panda named Zemi, who has been introduced to Alice in hopes of contributing to the conservation of their endangered species.
The park's lions are also thriving, with cubs Felix, Javari, and Nala now one year old, exploring Lion Country alongside their mother Aysa. The park has made great efforts to ensure the well-being of these animals, especially those rescued from difficult circumstances.












Activities for Everyone
While the animals are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers much more for families to enjoy. Guests can immerse themselves in the world of Pangea, a prehistoric dinosaur experience featuring over 30 life-sized, moving and roaring dinosaurs. This engaging attraction allows visitors to step back in time and learn about these fascinating creatures. Throughout the half-term, daily ranger talks and feeding sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about the animals and their habitats. Live entertainment will also be featured, including:
The Victor and Friends show
Pirates of Pantaloon Bay
An action-packed adventure called Indiana Bones
Dining and Relaxation
For those looking to take a break, the park offers a range of dining options. At the entrance, the Yorkshire Hive is a shopping, dining, and entertainment area that visitors can explore for free. Highlights include the immersive Evolution restaurant and the Wild Café Bistro, both serving delicious food and drinks throughout the day. The Bistro's outdoor terrace is particularly popular, known as one of Doncaster’s best beer gardens, providing lovely views of gibbons, bush dogs, and tapirs while guests relax with a drink.
Extend the Adventure
For families wanting to make the most of their visit, the luxurious Hex Wildlife Hotel is conveniently located just steps away from the park entrance. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay with rates starting from £52.25 per person when sharing a standard family room with two adults and two children, using the promo code HALFTERM. Yorkshire Wildlife Park places conservation at the heart of its mission, offering a unique walk-through experience that showcases incredible species, including polar bears, black rhinos, and giraffes. This focus on wildlife education and conservation makes it an essential visit for those who care about the environment and the animals that inhabit it. As half-term approaches, Yorkshire Wildlife Park stands ready to provide unforgettable experiences for families. With the combination of new attractions, exciting animal arrivals, and a variety of activities, it promises to be a fantastic destination for a day of adventure and discovery.

Yorkshire Team
The Yorkshire.com editorial team is made up of local writers, content creators, and tourism specialists who are passionate about showcasing the very best of God’s Own Country. With deep roots in Yorkshire’s communities, culture, food scene, landscapes, and visitor economy, the team works closely with local businesses, venues, and organisations to bring readers the latest news, events, travel inspiration, and insider guides from across the region. From hidden gems to headline festivals, Yorkshire.com is dedicated to celebrating everything that makes Yorkshire such a special place to live, work, and visit.
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