Yorkshire Wildlife Park has reflected on a remarkable 2025, a year defined by significant triumphs in wildlife conservation. The park celebrated a series of landmark events, ranging from the playful first steps of critically endangered cubs to the heart-warming rescue of lions from conflict zones, solidifying its role as a key player in global species preservation.
A Year of New Life and Vital Breeding Success
The year began with a celebration for one of the planet's rarest mammals. In January 2025, Rocco the Black Rhino turned one, marking a historic first for the park. The boisterous calf enjoyed a special birthday cake and a boomer ball in the award-winning 'Into Africa!' reserve. His birth is a huge milestone for international black rhino conservation efforts.
February saw the arrival of rare twin Cotton Top Tamarin Monkeys, born to parents Consuela and Maurice. This was swiftly followed in March by the park welcoming a new male Amur Tiger named Altai, who travelled over 1,135 miles from Norway to join resident tigress Tschuna.
Perhaps one of the most critical successes came in April with the birth of Amur Leopard cubs Lewis and Ali. Born to mother Kristen and father Drake as part of a strategic international breeding programme, their arrival represents a major step in saving the world's most endangered big cat from extinction.
The spring baby boom continued with a Titi Monkey birth in June, the first primate born in the park's South American Amazonas walkthrough, and May saw cheetah favourites Kendi and Tafari celebrate their first birthday, a significant success for their dwindling species.
Dramatic Rescues and New Arrivals
Summer brought joyful scenes as Aysa's trio of lion cubs, whose mother was rescued from Ukraine in March, took their first confident steps outside after receiving their vaccinations. The park's commitment to animal welfare was further highlighted by a major rescue operation in September.
The charity based at the park, The WildLife Foundation, raised funds to transport three lion cubs—Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti—from a war-torn Ukraine. Having endured months of bombing in a rehabilitation centre, the cubs have now settled happily into their new home. This marked the park's second lion rescue from Ukraine in two years.
New residents also joined the park's conservation family. August welcomed two endangered African Painted Dogs, Blondie and T’Challa, while October saw the arrival of Gamba, a male Grevy’s zebra—the most endangered zebra species—who joined female Katie in 'Into Africa!'. The year ended with Brodie the polar bear arriving from Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park in December to settle into the expansive Project Polar reserve.
Conservation in Action and Seasonal Celebrations
Beyond animal births and rescues, the park continued to engage the public with its conservation message. The successful cheetah cub births in 2024 inspired ongoing fundraising efforts for cheetah protection throughout 2025. The park also launched its annual Winter Illuminations in November, a magical lantern trail that allowed guests to explore the park after dark with attractions and fairground rides.
Each of these milestones, from Rocco's first birthday to the arrival of rescued lions, underscores Yorkshire Wildlife Park's pivotal and active role in global conservation efforts. The park provides a beacon of hope for endangered species while offering visitors unique insights into the natural world.
