I visited Knowsley on Wednesday of this week, for the first time in around three and a half years I think. Time flies. Such a lot of change in that time though, which I think much of which has been reported on here, maybe some hasn't.
Getting the not-so-good thing out of the way first, the Bug House has gone. More than a bug house, it was a nice little trop-house exhibit. Hopefully this is temporary, but having been removed from maps and apparently replaced with education rooms, maybe not.
But lots of good change too: the children's farm has been replaced by a nice aviary set, with inhabitants including bald eagle, turkey vultures and a number of owls new to me, and lots of others. Bat House added, and a European Elk enclosure added within the woodland behind. The bush dogs will look great in their spacious enclosure, but were being rather shy on Wednesday.
Out on the safari drive the Kiang and Wisent are superb. Bigger groups than I was expecting in both cases. Somali Wild Ass also a new new one for me.
Then there are the Iberian Wolves! gorgeous animals. Really quite small (I'm betraying the fact I've never seen them before), and very active in both morning and afternoon drives round the park. Being selfish, I just wish they were better placed for photography, being behind an awkward fence in the old Painted Dog enclosure.
All in all, a very impressive visit, and all for £15 car and all occupants at this time of year. And drawing my zoo visiting year to a close with three new species too.
