Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley was opened to the public in July 1971 by the 18th Earl of Derby. The 'safari park' concept was based on the drive-through game reserves of East Africa.

Knowsley was the first safari park to be built close to a large city - the estate is only 13km (8 miles) from Liverpool city centre. In spite of some understandable worries about large numbers of animals, including lions, roaming about close to the city, the County and District councils approved the proprosals.

We are especially concerned with the welfare of our animals and try to display them in near-natural surroundings; we hope that you too will appreciate the space that the animals have in their large paddocks. We feel sure that this aids their health and well-being.

Endangered species are being added to the collection whenever possible, and we aim to play an active part in national and international breeding programmes. Many animals that are fairly common in africa at the moment still have an uncertain long-term future, and some of the herds of African animals at Knowsley are now large enough to play an important role in ensuring that these species survive.

The five mile Safari Drive includes the UK's only drive-through Baboon Jungle, Lions, Tigers, Zebras, Elephants, Rhinos, Bison, Ostrich, Camels, Wildebeest and many more.

There is a Walkabout Area which includes Children's Lake Farm, Bug House, Otter Pools, Giraffe & Meerkat enclosures, Sea Lion show, Falconry Display and over 15 thrilling family and juvenile rides and amusements.

General Information:

• Restaurant
• Souvenir Shop
• Picnic Areas
• Kennels
• Coach and car parking
• Baby changing and disabled facilities
• First Aid centre