Knowsley Safari Park
Knowsley Safari Park Logo
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A baboon, photographed from inside a car
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| Date opened | 1971 |
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| Location | Knowsley, England |
| Coordinates | 53°26′31″N 2°48′43″W / 53.442°N 2.812°WCoordinates: 53°26′31″N 2°48′43″W / 53.442°N 2.812°W |
| Land area | 550 acres (220 ha) |
| No. of animals | 700+ |
| Memberships | BIAZA,EAZA |
| Website | www |
Knowsley Safari Park is a zoological park and tourist attraction in the Knowsley area of Merseyside, England. Knowsley Safari Park is a member of British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The safari park contributes to conservation and research through links with conservation projects and its links with universities in Liverpool, Chester and Manchester.
The park was opened in July 1971 by Edward Stanley, 18th Earl of Derby and Jimmy Chipperfield using the expertise of General Manager Laurence Tennant MBE, formerly the Chief Game Warden of Parks in Uganda and Botswana. Initially the road through the park was 3.5 miles (5.6 km), with visitors driving past lions, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, zebra, elephants and various antelope. Due to the popularity of this route, an additional 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of road was added in 1973, and camels, buffalo, white rhino, and tigers were added to the park. Over the years, a few modifications have been made. For instance, tigers are now displayed in enclosures within the reserve, and a bypass around the baboons was built for visitors who are worried about damage to their cars.
The park was also home to a former RAF airfield which closed at the end of World War II. The RAF airbase situated at the safari park was also known as Knowsley / Knowsley Safari Park / No 49 SLG / RAF Knowsley Park and was in use between 13 May 1942 – November 1944.
The park has hosted several sporting events including the Olympic torch relay, watched by 6,000 children and families in June 2012. The park hosted the finish of Stage Two of the 2012 Tour of Britain cycling event and is scheduled to host Stage Three of the 2013 Tour on Tuesday 17 September.
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Wikipedia