The award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a great option to shake off the winter blues for a fun-filled day out for the whole family this February half-term (February 14-22).

Visitors can enjoy a unique mesmerising walk-through experience coming almost face to face with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species.

Over half-term, there is something for everyone to do at 175-acre park, including a full programme of ranger talks with stories about the animals they care for and the popular daily carnivore feedings at 2pm.

The half term holidays starts with Valentines Day and there has been a surge in the bookings for the delicious Valentine’s Afternoon Tea in Wilds Bistro. animal experiences and adoption packages in honour of the famous animal couples at the park.

Shake of the winter blues with a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park this half-term.

placeholder image — Shake of the winter blues with a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park this half-term.

Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the Director of Animals, said: “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.”

Project Polar is home to one of the most iconic species - polar bears.

The group of seven is the largest in Europe and includes the newest arrival, Brodie, the polar bear who arrived in December for a holiday from Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland whilst they carry out building work in his enclosure.

Brodie, whose brother Hamish also lives at the park, has already been introduced to 12-year-old Nobby in one of the large reserves that make up Project Polar. He has settled well into his new reserve and is enjoying the deep lake and expansive area as well as the company of his new friend, much to the delight of park guests.

Another of the most popular areas of the park is Lion Country, home of Lion Rescue. Originally home to the 13 Romanian Lions who were rescued back in 2010, today it is home to lions from two rescue missions from the Ukrainian war zone. Aysa, Teddi, Santa and Emi live together with the three cubs Felix, Nala and Jabari and make a playful and mischievous group.

The other pride of three, who were rescued in 2025, Oleg, Rafael and Shanti live in the second of three reserves across the lake. All were traumatised when they first arrived but are now happy and settled in Lion Country.

The latest arrival to the YWP family is Neo the okapi calf, born to mother Ruby in December. The Okapi is a rare and striking forest giraffe with a dark coat and striped legs. They are gentle and shy animals and endangered in the wild, though the exact number is not known due to the dense forest that is their native habitat in Africa.

The birth bears testament to the cooperation between zoos to save endangered species as Ruby was sent to breed with Chester Zoo’s male Stomp, returning to YWP when she was several months pregnant. Neo will be an important addition to the breeding programme. Neo is not quite ready to venture outside but visitors may catch a glimpse of him through the special viewing window of the house.

There are many more animals at YWP from monkeys to meerkats, rhinos, giraffes and sea lions and walkthrough adventures with wallabies, lemurs and animals from South America. There is a full programme of ranger talks throughout the day and outdoor and indoor play areas for children of all ages.

Visitors can also discover the world of Pangea, the immersive, pre-historic dinosaur experience home to more than 30 life-sized moving roaring dinosaurs! From the terrifying t-rex to the villainous velociraptors, there is everyone's favourite Jurassic characters in the middle of Yorkshire.

The Hive, located at the entrance to the park, offers a free-admission shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Dining options in the Hive include the Wild Café-Bistro which offers all day delicious food and drinks and an immersive themed experience restaurant Evolution. There is also the giant Uproar! Indoor playbarn.

It is also the location of the Hex Wildlife Hotel, right next to the Park’s entrance. A select number of the 104 rooms overlook the Park. Kids Stay Free and can enjoy free breakfast and park entry when sharing a room with a full paying adult, using the Promo Code HALFTERM.

No matter the weather YWP offers the whole family a fun filled and educational Half Term day out. Tickets, adoptions, experiences and afternoon teas can be booked online at www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com