TV presenter Helen Skelton opens Yorkshire Wildlife Park reserves for rare animals

TV presenter Helen Skelton has opened two reserves for rare and endangered animals at Doncaster’s zoo.
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The BBC Countryfile presenter got close to Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s new red pandas as she previewed the summer expansion for the 150-acre zoo in Branton.

Red pandas are an endangered species that usually weigh around 7kg and grow to the size of a house cat, despite their long, bushy tails which add an additional 18 inches to their frame.

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The endangered species which normally live in the temperate forest of the Himalayas are in a new reserve, next to smooth-coated otters which have also moved into the park.

BBC Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton was able to get close to the animals as she previewed the park’s summer expansion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.BBC Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton was able to get close to the animals as she previewed the park’s summer expansion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
BBC Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton was able to get close to the animals as she previewed the park’s summer expansion at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Otters Lukha and Miya who reside in the Himalayan Pass reserve are said to have had an ‘instant’ attraction when they were first introduced to each other at the zoo last week, fuelling potential breeding hopes.

Local pollution of wetlands and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to this rare species in the wild.

Helen also toured the new Experience Ethiopia section, which is home to spotted hyenas and a troop of 13 gelada monkeys, complete with an outdoor children’s play area.

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The hyenas which are found in Ethiopia and sub Saharan Africa, are regarded as effective predators in the animal kingdom with powerful jaws which can eat an entire carcass, including the bones.

The television presenter helped feed rare red pandas at the Doncaster zoo.The television presenter helped feed rare red pandas at the Doncaster zoo.
The television presenter helped feed rare red pandas at the Doncaster zoo.

A family band of gelada monkeys are among the new arrivals which have expanded the park’s collection of primates in its Simien Mountains reserve.

The animals which are usually found in high Ethiopian mountains and regarded as adept rock climbers are the world’s most terrestrial primate, apart from humans.

The unusual baboon sized monkeys are also known as the last surviving species of ancient grazing primates.

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The television presenter who also hosted Channel 5’s ‘Big Week at the Zoo’ from the zoo, was also briefed about Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s global conservation and wildlife education projects.

She spoke to rangers and park staff about what it is like to care for the more than 450 animals that live there.

CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, John Minion said: “It was great having Helen back with us to see the new reserves. She loved being here, meeting the animals and celebrating the work of zoos around the country.

"She is a true champion of animals and wildlife.

“She was fascinated by the work we have done and the positive impact we are having on conservation as it is something close to her heart.”

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Coronavirus lockdown had cost the Doncaster zoo an estimated £5 million by June and bosses were concerned they could not sustain the cost of staying shut forever.

John continued:“It has been a very hard year for us at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with huge revenue losses from the lockdown and we have been very grateful for everyone’s support especially all those who have come back to visit the park since reopening.

“It is great to have some positive news and to welcome new animals to the park – we have lots more exciting things lined up for the future too.”

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