"2023 started with the exciting arrival of five new Maned Wolf pups. Proud mum Ibera was full of delight despite the lively attentions of the healthy four girls and one boy who represent a significant moment for the threatened species, which is native to South America. The park’s conservation efforts, as part of an international breeding programme, are critical to species survival and the pups have given a global boost to their prospects." Image by PR Photography, Yorkshire Wildlife Parkplaceholder image
"2023 started with the exciting arrival of five new Maned Wolf pups. Proud mum Ibera was full of delight despite the lively attentions of the healthy four girls and one boy who represent a significant moment for the threatened species, which is native to South America. The park’s conservation efforts, as part of an international breeding programme, are critical to species survival and the pups have given a global boost to their prospects." Image by PR Photography, Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park's 2023: 12 pictures from a year of new arrivals including wolves, monkeys and dik-diks

Alastair Ulke
By Alastair Ulke

Senior Reporter

Published 28th Dec 2023, 12:39 GMT
Updated 28th Dec 2023, 12:39 GMT

New arrivals this year included Giant Otters, Amur Leopards and… Helen Skelton.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has had a year marked by new arrivals of some of the world’s most endangered species.

The team at the cherished conservation park held their breath several times in 2023 as it prepared for its residents to give birth.

They included Giant Otters Alexandra and Orimar and their new female pup Fia, a new Cotton Top Tamarind Monkey born to Maurice and Consuela, and a newborn Dik-dik calf named Acorn.

And in an incredible effort, lioness Aysa and her three cubs who were rescued from an abandoned private zoo in Ukraine were brought safely to the park after staying in Poland.

These pictures provided by Yorkshire Wildlife Park recap the conservation project’s 2023 in review and shows off some of their new faces.

"Nine new meerkats arrive in time for some Halloween trick or treating, making themselves at home in the purpose-built Meerkat Manor. The specially designed meerkat habitat is comprised of rock formations, towering termite mounds and deep natural sand, ideal for digging or burrowing. Meerkats are often found in tight-knit groups called mobs or gangs."

9. October - Meerkat Manor

"Nine new meerkats arrive in time for some Halloween trick or treating, making themselves at home in the purpose-built Meerkat Manor. The specially designed meerkat habitat is comprised of rock formations, towering termite mounds and deep natural sand, ideal for digging or burrowing. Meerkats are often found in tight-knit groups called mobs or gangs." Photo: Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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"YWP’s busy year continued with further successful global conservation efforts in the arrival of a Kirk’s Dik-dik calf named Acorn, weighing only 13lbs. The Kirk’s Dik-diks, named after the noise they make, are the smallest members of the antelope family and the species is under threat from poachers who sell their bones for jewellery and their hides for suede gloves."

10. November - Dik-dik calf named Acorn

"YWP’s busy year continued with further successful global conservation efforts in the arrival of a Kirk’s Dik-dik calf named Acorn, weighing only 13lbs. The Kirk’s Dik-diks, named after the noise they make, are the smallest members of the antelope family and the species is under threat from poachers who sell their bones for jewellery and their hides for suede gloves." Photo: Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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"Yorkshire Wildlife Park gave a warm welcome to special guest Helen Skelton at the unveiling of the 2023 Winter Illuminations. The festive illuminations display consisted of a dazzling 2.5 km light and lantern display that took visitors on a journey through space, the ocean and even the Jurassic age! The annual Christmas Fair also brought spectacular fun, food and festivities enjoyed by families and friends."

11. December - Welcoming Helen Skelton

"Yorkshire Wildlife Park gave a warm welcome to special guest Helen Skelton at the unveiling of the 2023 Winter Illuminations. The festive illuminations display consisted of a dazzling 2.5 km light and lantern display that took visitors on a journey through space, the ocean and even the Jurassic age! The annual Christmas Fair also brought spectacular fun, food and festivities enjoyed by families and friends." Photo: P RUDDOCK

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