Yorkshire Wildlife Park gains exclusive new membership of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

31st May 2018

Award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park has gained exclusive membership of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

YWP is one of only 400 organisations in the world that has been welcomed into WAZA's prestigious community and is one of the first two to be approved as an official member in 2018. CEO John Minion said: -We are delighted to be recognised in this way. This is an exciting achievement for us and we couldn't be more thrilled. -WAZA is the unifying organisation for the world zoo and aquarium community and its members are leading zoos, associations and corporate partners from around the world. We are very grateful to be a part of this. The park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, brings visitors almost face to face with some of the world's most beautiful and at risk species in a walk through experience. Innovation is at the heart of the design of all its sprawling reserves, which also gives visitors a unique view of the animals. WAZA Chief Executive Officer, Doug Cress praised the park in Branton near Doncaster. He said: "WAZA is pleased to welcome Yorkshire Wildlife Park to the WAZA family. YWP is committed to the highest standards of animal care and understands that conservation of wildlife and their habitat is the ultimate goal. YWP is one of the first to be welcomed to WAZA in 2018. YWP's unique animal collection includes Amur Leopards and Tigers, Meerkats, Lions, the country's only Polar Bears, Black Rhinos, Giraffes and many more. The park, which attracts over 761,000 visitors annually, has grown to become the UK's No1 wildlife experience, offering families an entertaining and educational day out. YWP, which opened in 2009, is also a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums.