BARE ALL FOR POLAR BEARS

Listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, the polar bear has been affected by sea ice losses in the Arctic from global warming which have caused a loss of habitat and prey. In summer 2012, sea ice losses in the Arctic were larger than the size of the United States. Biologists estimate that there are 20,000 – 25,000 polar bears. About 60% of these live in Canada and they are also found in the U.S. (Alaska), Russia, Greenland and in Norway.

YWP will be working with the conservation organisation Polar Bears International to raise funds and support research and work with polar bears in the wild so this is where we need your help, we are looking for willing participants to Bare all on this three quarter mile naked dash around Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

To sign up to this event please read the following information below beforehand

By signing up to WildLife Foundation’s “Bare all for Polar Bears 2024” you will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee per single person and by doing this you are pledging to raise as much as you can to help support WildLife Foundation’s work with Polar Bear’s international. There will be an amazing prize presented to the person who raises the most money too!

To register interest simply complete the expression of interest form. You will later be required to pay the appropriate registration fee and bring a form of ID along with you to the event. Family and Friends can attend on the evening and tickets for this can be booked online, Spectator tickets are purchased on a first come first served basis and you must enter with the participant and be known to them, ID will be requested at the gate for anyone Yorkshire Wildlife Park suspects to be under the age of 18 and no admittance will be granted if ID cannot be shown. The event will take place once the wildlife park has closed for the day to general visitors. Bearers will be able to enter from the designated time to register at Tsavo Lodge and undress for the dash. A secured changing area will be in place for you to leave your belongings. At the designated time bearers will need to make their way to the start line at to embark on the “Bare All for Polar Bears” dash. It will take no more than 15 minutes to do and you can either walk, jog or run. Once you cross the finish line you’ll receive a foil wrap and commemorative medal. For the person’s raising the most money for WildLife Foundation and Polar Bears International you will win a very exclusive VIP behind the scenes Tour.

What is the minimum age to enter?

The minimum age to enter the event is 18yrs for participants and spectators. Proof of age will be required before entry on the night so please ensure you have ID with you. Failure to prove your age may result in non-admittance into Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Do I have to be completely naked?

Nudity is encouraged for all participants. However we understand that this can be quite daunting, so please do get in touch with us. This is a big undertaking and we don’t want to single anyone out who wants to take part. Don’t forget we will be providing you with a polar bear mask! All Bearers will be provided with a foil wrap to start the dash and you also need to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk, jog or run in.

How long will the dash be?

The dash will take place within the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park and will incorporate a course around the park which is three quarters of a mile.

Is there somewhere I can leave my clothes and belongings?

Yes. There will be a secure changing area and place to store your bags. This area will be for the bearers only and no family or friends will be allowed to enter this area. YWP will store your bags until the event closes. If any bags go uncollected, they will be sent to Lost Property at the end of the night.

How do I get to Yorkshire Wildlife Park?

Please visit www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com and follow the links on how to get here

Is the whole of Yorkshire Wildlife Park open on the evening of the event?

No. The Bare all for Polar bears event will be limited to certain areas of the park. Family and friends will be able to cheer and encourage you from the designated spectator area.

Will I be arrested for nudity?

No. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is private land. However you must arrive and leave fully clothed to the event and respect others whilst inside. Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated throughout the event and YWP reserves the right to remove anyone who disobeys the rules.

What will the gender ratio be?

We hope to gain a good mix of Male and Females taking part in the event. It’s down to you to do as much as us to encourage both your male and female friends to take part

How do I fundraise?

Official sponsorship forms are available. All registration fees will go towards the costs of running the event and WildLife Foundation will benefit from the sponsorship and spectator fees raised in addition. We will of course do everything that we can to support you throughout your fundraising, including giving you plenty of updates and encouragement along the way! Because of the daring nature of this event, we really hope your friends and family will get behind you!

Will I be filmed and photographed?

Yes. By signing up to this event you are consenting to your picture being taken by the press and fellow event participants and their spectators. You are consenting to being filmed at the event. The Bare all for Polar Bears event is very much a publicity event to raise the profile of our Polar Bear campaign. Therefore YWP will use footage and photography for publicity purposes. If you want to keep your identity under wraps, keep the polar bear mask on at all times.

Can I take photos?

Photography of other people is prohibited at this event except for Yorkshire Wildlife Park official photographers and 3rd Party organisations or individuals pre-approved by YWP. You are very welcome to take photos of yourself for personal use.

Every effort will be used to ensure that no unauthorised photos are taken throughout the evening. Failure to adhere to this rule can result in photos being removed from cameras (including phones) and individuals being removed from the premises. If any behaviour is deemed to be inappropriate during the evening, this will result in immediate removal from the site

Where can I stay?

Participants are welcome to stay at Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Hex Hotel, and will be offered a preferential rate the night before and the night of the dash! More details to follow.