Knowsley Safari — Zoo in Prescot

Knowsley Safari and its collection

Knowsley Safari, opened in 1971, is a zoo in Knowsley, United Kingdom.

The park works with universities in Liverpool, Chester and Manchester on conservation and research, and Channel 4 filmed Secret Life of the Safari Park on site. In January 2011 a peaceful animal-rights protest followed the finding by government vets of a single breach of by-product disposal rules.

History

Animals had been kept on the estate since the 19th century, Edward Lear having been engaged to paint the Earl's collection. Edward Stanley, 18th Earl of Derby, opened the park in the grounds of Knowsley Hall in July 1971, working with Jimmy Chipperfield; Laurence Tennant MBE, who took charge as first general manager, had previously served in Uganda and Botswana as chief game warden of their parks. The drive-through route originally covered 3.5 miles, passing lions, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, elephants and antelope.

Exhibits

The original drive-through route ran for 3.5 miles, passing lions, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, elephants and antelope.

What the venue says

• the sea lion show
• birds of prey flight demonstrations
• the Baboon Bus
• **Dining Options:** The central Explorer’s Café and various outdoor kiosks and food stands operate across the site, serving hot meals, children's lunch boxes, snacks, hot drinks, and ice cream.
• **On-Site Parking:** Large, free on-site car parking is situated directly next to the main visitor hub and Foot Safari entrance.
• The Foot Safari features level pathways throughout much of the walking sections. Manual wheelchair hire and mobility scooter rentals are available on-site.
• The park includes accessible visitor restrooms and adult changing facilities. Sunflower Lanyard support and plenty of resting/seating areas are provided across the grounds.