Zoo... and improved!
With new wildlife, bigger thrills and spills, and much more, Flamingo Land Resort gets better every day. GARETH TIDMAN took his family for a spin round the Yorkshire attraction...
There’s even more fun waiting for you at Flamingo Land Resort this summer. Visitors who return year after year are already familiar with the park’s mix of thrilling rides, fantastic family entertainment and bewildering array of exotic animals.
And there are many more attractions on their way in 2017 to make a visit to the North Yorkshire attraction better than ever.
Flamingo Land is home to more than 140 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. They live in environments created to replicate their natural habitat. That means one minute you could be watching prowling tigers from South East Asia, while the next you’re awestruck at the power of the black rhinos.
Just don’t expect to stand and watch from the sidelines...
With regular talks by the zoo keepers, there’s a chance for everyone to get up close with many of these fascinating creatures.
Join an Animal Encounter and you could soon find yourself feeding a cute lemur – or 10 – as these friendly primates from Madagascar clamber on to your lap to grab a tasty lunchtime snack.
PASSION FOR ANIMALS
However, the park keepers’ passion for animals goes far beyond creating truly unforgettable memories for guests.
From supporting a conservation, research and education project in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Forest to protecting native wildlife in collaboration with David Bellamy, animal welfare and preservation is always taken seriously.
One of the new must-see attractions gives visitors the fantastic experience of seeing the park’s beautiful rainbow lorikeets up close.
It’s wonderful to see these incredible birds overcome their timidity and swoop down from their lofty perches to peck titbits from your fingers.
There surely can’t be a better opportunity to get so near to these delightfully colourful birds.
Challenging the lemurs in the cuteness stakes is four-month-old Rothschild giraffe calf Sophie, and a second, as yet unnamed, calf. Along with a gorgeous baby zebra, they are among the park’s most popular residents.
Also new to Flamingo Land is Baringo, a male black rhino, who has arrived from the Czech Republic to bolster the breeding programme for this critically endangered species.
Another popular character among visitors is Marvin the sea lion. He wows visitors at his shows with his incredible balancing skills and a must-see shark impression. His pal Clive is aged 23 – a grand old age for these creatures – but can still lift his 40stone body using just his flippers.
But the attractions extend way beyond the zoo...
TASTY FISH AND CHIPS
Flamingo Land has also opened a new two-storey entertainment complex complete with a restaurant serving some of the tastiest fish and chips you’re likely to get your hands on in Yorkshire.
For the little ones, there’s a soft play area to explore. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can sit back and take in the scenery from the balcony, which offers spectacular views of the park.
The car-themed toilets will appeal to petrolheads of all ages – and that’s not all they’ll love.
Coming soon is a new 300m kart-driving racing circuit that will allow would-be Lewis Hamiltons to
prove their skills on the track.
The park is already wellserved by a monorail which lets guests explore the attractions in style, from high above the fun-loving throng below. There are also some major upgrades planned. New airconditioned carriages with video screens linked to the animal collections will soon allow visitors to enjoy an experience like never before.
If you fancy an even higher vantage point as you admire the site, jump on the cable car. Within minutes, one of the most memorable rides you’ll take will transport you from one end of the site to the other.
ADRENALINE ADDICTS
Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities for adrenalin addicts to test their nerve.
They can take on the spiralling Kumali rollercoaster or its fearsome neighbour, the towering Mumbo Jumbo – officially the world’s steepest ride in 2009 (as the Guinness World Records sign outside proudly boasts).
Only the most fearless will tackle Velocity – a ride with such incredible acceleration that riders are hurtled across the park at hairraising speeds. And anyone who fancies acquiring a super power can enjoy a ride on another of the park’s most popular attractions, Hero. Hero gives the rollercoaster a new twist by placing the rider face down as they fly across the park like the superhero they’ve always dreamed of being. And there are plenty more thrills and spills to be found for all the family... For youngsters – and those not brave enough to tackle the breath-taking extreme rollercoasters – there is a good selection of smaller rides to exhilarate visitors of all ages. Entertaining stalls are positioned around the park to give you the chance to show off your skills at a number of games. If you want to ride on the log flume, be sure to invest in a plastic poncho before you get on board. You’ll need it! What at first might seem a leisurely ride up to the lofty boat house soon takes on a different tone. The vessel plunges down a steep slide to create an almighty splash, soaking everyone in drenching distance. Or, if you feel like it’s time to put up your feet, why not take in one of the regular pirate shows performed from the park’s very own Black Heart Galleon throughout the day? The crew put on a wonderful show,