Knowsley safari park is one of the major tourist attractions in the Knowsley area of Merseyside, England. It is home for many creatures including elephants, giraffes, baboons, and tigers.
In addition to this, Knowsley safari park has become a member of BIAZA British and Irish association of zoos and aquarium. Also, the European association of zoos and aquaria (EAZA). Both of these associations contribute to the conservation of endangered species and biological creatures.
History
Knowsley safari park was first founded by Edward Stanely in July 1971. The Stanley family had owned the Knowsley estate since the 14th century.
Before the establishment of Knowsley safari park, Edward smith Stanely, the 13th earl of derby had already made a huge collection of birds animals and mammals. Also, his collection included the species which were not seen in Britain.
After his death, his personal zoo became one of the largest zoo consisting of 24 species of birds, 94 species of animals, and 756 animal breeds.
Just after the 120 years, the 18th earl of derby got permission to open a zoo with new exotic s0ecies. As a result in 1971, the 18th earl of derby opened the Knowsley safari park which became one of the leading tourist attractions in the northwest.
About Knowsley Safari Park
In the beginning, the road through the park for the safari was 5.6 km. The visitors making safari looking at the lion, antelope, giraffe, zebra, monkeys, and many more. After a year, in 1973 additional 2.4km road was added to the park. Also, species of camel, tigers, white elephant was added.
Furthermore, in 2001 a car and couch friendly route were added for the ones who wanted to avoid cheeky baboons. In 2004, safari school also known as the discovery center today was inaugurated. Now, this school teaches more than 16000 students every year.
Species collection
Before the inauguration of this park, Knowsley estate was famous for animal discovery. It was also the hear of the estate. Today this park consists of numerous species including endangered and rare exotic species.
Firstly, there is a tiger trail in the area of 10000 square meters. It is home to the Siberian tiger. Secondly, there is the equatorial trial which mostly thrives in the species found in the earth’s equator. The South American tapir, Sitatunga, Rhea, and the Capybara is seen through a train ride called equatorial express.
Safari in Knowsley Safari Park
This safari drive has become the leading attraction of safari parks. Also, it includes 29 species of mammals in seven different zones.
Zone 1+11
This zone is the home for Père David’s deer, Yak, Kiang, and Bactrian camel.
Zone 2+8
This zone contains Blackbuck, Nilgai, Eld’s deer, Chital (Axis Deer), and Barasingha.
Zone 3+4+6
It is one of Knowsley’s two white rhino paddocks and is one of the largest in the UK. This zone contains Southern White Rhino, Roan antelope, Eland, Lechwe, Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, African Forest Buffalo, Ostrich, and Waterbuck.
Zone 5
This zone contains: Blesbok and Bongo
Zone 7
This zone contains exclusively the Olive baboon. There is a car-friendly route which totally removes this zone. However, it is still visible from outside the perimeter.
Zone 9
This zone contains: European Bison, Fallow Deer, and European Moose
Zone 10
This zone contains Lion and the Somali wild ass.
