Knowsley Safari Park, Wildlife park in Prescot, England
Knowsley Safari Park is a wildlife park in Prescot, England, spreading across 222 hectares and home to more than 700 animals, including African elephants, Amur tigers, tapirs, and numerous primate species. The site divides into several zones that recreate different geographic regions and habitats.
The park opened in July 1971 through a partnership between Edward Stanley, the 18th Earl of Derby, and Jimmy Chipperfield, with Laurence Tennant serving as general manager. The foundation transformed parts of the historic estate into a publicly accessible wildlife reserve.
The name comes from Knowsley Hall, the historic seat of the Stanley family, whose estate grounds now surround the wildlife park. Visitors drive through wide enclosures where animals roam freely, while walking paths lead through wooded sections where smaller species can be observed up close.
Visitors can drive their own vehicle along a roughly 5.6-kilometer safari route through the enclosures, complemented by a separate walking section for closer observation. The park remains open in poor weather, though animals may retreat to shelter during rain.
The resident baboon group demonstrated their intelligence by learning to systematically open car roof boxes, drawing international media attention in 2009. This behavior spread within the group through observation and imitation.
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