Doncaster's Yorkshire Wildlife Park set to double in size after £15m investment

Investment firm BGF has put in the cash to help the Branton-based park achieve its long-term goal of welcoming 1.5 million visitors a year.

Alongside BGF, Lloyds Bank has also committed an £18m debt facility which, together with BGF’s investment, will support the expansion of YWP’s existing park with the aim of doubling its size.

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It aims to increase the annual visitor numbers from 750,000 to 1.5 million.

A spokesman said: "At the new entrance to the park, there will also be a new and free to enter boutique leisure destination, expected to attract its own local audience as well as providing unique facilities for the day visitors to the Wildlife Park".

"Over the bank holiday weekend, the Park welcomed visitors to new attractions, such as the Himalayan Pass and Experience Ethiopia, which opened last month. People can now view hyenas, red pandas, and smooth-coated otters at the attraction."

The spokesman added: " Despite the well-documented challenges facing the business and wider sector, BGF has supported the park and enabled the expansion development to continue."