New wildlife park for Doncaster
DONCASTER’S tourist industry has received a major boost with the opening of a new family-run wildlife park venture.
The newly opened Yorkshire Wildlife Park at the former Brockholes Farm Visitor centre in Branton boasts exotic animals such as lemurs, meerkats, wallabies, antelope and African hunting dogs.
It was bought last year by husband and wife team and experienced zookeepers Cheryl and Neville Williams and business partner John Minion.
Funding for the centre was provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial, private investment and a Yorkshire Forward grant.
Visitors are able to walk into the world of the animals by entering several of the new enclosures and encounter the animals first hand. The first attraction of its kind in the region, the new facility has already created 11 new jobs.
Mrs Williams, chief executive, of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, said: “We have worked hard to create a natural environment for the animals with plenty of space to roam, and hope that the visitors have a truly unique experience.
“We have taken on extra staff to assist with the day-to-day running of the park. We will also be developing the animal collection as the park grows and hope to see some new arrivals this summer. Further development is planned for phase two of the park which is hoped to include lions.
Ben Cutts, relationship manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial in Doncaster, said: “Cheryl, John and Neville have used their expertise of wildlife conservation to create a facility that is set to be a major attraction in Yorkshire, bringing in tourism and providing a huge boost to the local economy.
“By approaching us with a well structured and realistic business plan, we were able to work closely with the company to quickly structure a tailored lending package. We look forward to supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park as it looks to the future.”
The park has established links with the tourist board, Welcome to Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and Doncaster College, who base their NVQ animal care students at the site.
It is looking to add new animals to its collection over the coming months with the promise of lions some time in the future.
