Knowsley Safari Park Knowsley Safari Park news 2022

[Pootle]

Anyhow getting back to the matter in hand, let's hope something (animals) arrives this year it would be nice to see Knowsley rebuilding their drive through.

A few starters would be to try to increase Zebra, Gnu and Eland numbers (unless restrictions are in place?)
Rhea, Emu and Wallabies would be nice additions to the drive and possibly available.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I guess it depends on the definition of temporary?..... sorry it's a crap answer.

For years I had a 'private' parking space near the elephants and would watch them do 'their stuff' for hours, until they noticed me/us parked up and would come to be nosy themselves. I was quite annoyed how the transfer of the herd went about and I know (ok, pretty sure, & common sense told me) if they had stayed then deaths would have been prevented so early to some individuals.

I hindsight maybe a mistake to move them on?

For the record: Knowsley Safari Park held a lot more African elephants than the ones remembered (in most briefs). Popularly known are male Krueger (transferred to Port Lympne in October 2006), and females Buta, Shaba, Juba, Tana, Ashanti and Nala. Between 2004-2007 4 births occured with only Ashanti and Nala surviving calves.

This does exclude some cows present when the Windsor Safari Park transfer deal came through in 1993. Females Masai (from Windsor and deceased November 1994 at Knowsley), Kora (also from Windsor SP and deceased May 2005 in Knowsley), plus several other cows pre-imported in 1971: Choto and deceased September 2004 at Knowsley, Adega and deceased June 2004 and Rosemary and deceased May 1994 at Knowsley.

Still later on they received sub-adult/adult male Nissim in November 1998, who was intended to become the intended breeding bull of the future. He died unfortunately in June 2014 at Knowsley (having collapsed).

TBH: the biggest mistake IMO was sending off bull Krueger in a herd that had just started breeding and would have done so had he not been permanently moved off exhibit in 2006. Now, it would have taken probably another few years to create some good matriarchal lineages and that would probably have secured African elephant ex situ captive-breeding for years onward. Now bull Krueger sired thrice calves while at Port Lympne, but has no living offspring.

In July and November 2017 females Juba and Ashanti and Tana with Nala were moved to Zooparc de Beauval. Alas, female Nala died unexpectedly while on transit to Zooparc de Beauval same day.


IN CONCLUSION: with some plusses and minusses added here and there your judgement cannot hold up against the available evidence. Agreed that if and had ... bull Krueger remained at Knowsley and be allowed to breed to all the cows at the Safari Park, I remain convinced female Buta would have bred, birthed and reared her calves successfully, likewise females Tana and Shaba and quite quite possibly later on females Nala and Ashanti. With a proven bull leaving and an inexperienced (and quite much younger than the adult cows bull like Nissim would not stand a chance in the dominance stakes). Now, this of course all in hindsight, but still a bit different than what you might have expected.

 

[Keelan]

@Pootle I would like to see an increase in zebra and wildebeest numbers. i reckon that there are around 20 eland and i think that the herd is a nice size as they usually seem to have young. i personally think that the park could introduce rhea into the equatorial trail instead of the emu for geographical reasons. i am one for geographically correct and it does annoy me when i see animals from different continents in the same area. i reckon that the current bongo enclosure could be turned into a little Australian area with the edition of the emu and some wallabies. the bongo could be moved to another area of the safari, potentially a new paddock which could be built on the foot safari or to somewhere in zone 4 on the safari drive.

i think that the zone 4 could keep the existing animals but removing the ostrich and putting them into the larger section of the rhino reserve. i would then put the bongo possibly in here with the blesbok if they still have them because i haven't seen them in a while. the sitatunga could also possibly go in here.

the larger reserve zone 3 and 6 i would keep rather the same with the edition of zebras and ostrich with more housing opportunities. this would also see the return of the ankole cattle

in the sort of middle of the safari zones 2 and 8 i would keep these the same but perhaps add in a cattle species such as banteng in here which would make the zone a little more interesting

the only other alteration that i think the safari needs is a better carnivore area once the wolves have moved back to the safari and the tiger has moved on. the enclosures which the tiger lives in i would connect into 1 and have cheetah in here and then i would connect the 2 wolf enclosures and add in painted dogs, hyenas or dholes. i think the somali wild ass in this section are a little out of place in a carnivore section so these could be moved to one of the African areas. i would knock this down then probably extend the cheetah enclosure.

this became a bit of a fantasy post lol

 

[Embu]

@Keelan good point. Back to facts, does anyone know how Miron (male tiger) is getting on with the female he was introduced to?

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Why not put the giraffe on the safari drive through?

 

[Keelan]

I have been numerous times and have never seen miron and sinda together. The giraffes could go on the safari but I think that would cost a lot to build a brand new house and given the fact they only have 2 they might be better off where they are for now

 

[Pootle]

@Pootle i am one for geographically correct and it does annoy me when i see animals from different continents in the same area.

As annoying as seeing a rhino on a field in Merseyside, England! - lol.

Sorry, I couldn't resist, but I do know exactly what you are saying and do agree in principle

 

[Pootle]

For the record: Knowsley Safari Park held a lot more African elephants than the ones remembered (in most briefs). Popularly known are male Krueger (transferred to Port Lympne in October 2006), and females Buta, Shaba, Juba, Tana, Ashanti and Nala. Between 2004-2007 4 births occured with only Ashanti and Nala surviving calves.

This does exclude some cows present when the Windsor Safari Park transfer deal came through in 1993. Females Masai (from Windsor and deceased November 1994 at Knowsley), Kora (also from Windsor SP and deceased May 2005 in Knowsley), plus several other cows pre-imported in 1971: Choto and deceased September 2004 at Knowsley, Adega and deceased June 2004 and Rosemary and deceased May 1994 at Knowsley.

Still later on they received sub-adult/adult male Nissim in November 1998, who was intended to become the intended breeding bull of the future. He died unfortunately in June 2014 at Knowsley (having collapsed).

TBH: the biggest mistake IMO was sending off bull Krueger in a herd that had just started breeding and would have done so had he not been permanently moved off exhibit in 2006. Now, it would have taken probably another few years to create some good matriarchal lineages and that would probably have secured African elephant ex situ captive-breeding for years onward. Now bull Krueger sired thrice calves while at Port Lympne, but has no living offspring.

In July and November 2017 females Juba and Ashanti and Tana with Nala were moved to Zooparc de Beauval. Alas, female Nala died unexpectedly while on transit to Zooparc de Beauval same day.


IN CONCLUSION: with some plusses and minusses added here and there your judgement cannot hold up against the available evidence. Agreed that if and had ... bull Krueger remained at Knowsley and be allowed to breed to all the cows at the Safari Park, I remain convinced female Buta would have bred, birthed and reared her calves successfully, likewise females Tana and Shaba and quite quite possibly later on females Nala and Ashanti. With a proven bull leaving and an inexperienced (and quite much younger than the adult cows bull like Nissim would not stand a chance in the dominance stakes). Now, this of course all in hindsight, but still a bit different than what you might have expected.

Thanks for this post, its really informative, its good to read it in its full as I had parts of the jig saw missing!. I do recall Krueger myself, as when I started to be a season ticket holder, he was there one weekend gone the next!. The following years saw Nissim as the bull, as you say and as keepers told me, he was too young for the job at the time and he didn't seem the strongest or healthiest bull in my humble opinion, he died quite unexpectedly I recall (Google just told me he was only 19 years when he died).
I recall they had planned to receive an older bull from elsewhere (I think I posted about this years ago on Zoo chat, but I forget now) after his death, I know it was all planned, as they changed the exhibit based upon the bull to arrive was known for stone and other object throwing I recall. He never did arrive, but I know it was very close to happening.

I agree with your conclusions (although it's crystal ball work to a degree). I would add that maybe if the bull did arrive after Nissim's death them maybe there would be elephants and breeding now. Big if's and just thoughts based on my limited knowledge.

 

[Keelan]

Had a great visit today. It was so very quiet which meant I git great views of all the animals. Thought I'd give a few updates.

The zebras are STILL in that paddock in the first section. I'm beginning to wonder if that is where they will stay. However I only saw one today and keepers were looking at its legs and I noticed that it's back legs kind of bend out after the knee joint if you get what I mean so unsure what is wrong there.

In zone 4 there were actually 3 rhino's which the most ive seen in here before was 2 and on both visits to the safari drive today they were all sparing at each other. Also there are still no ostrich so have they left?

The larger African zone has another 3 rhino's in it which were much more peaceful in the hut. The roan antelope were a no show today. I really miss the ankle so hope they will soon come back.

Lots of babies in the baboon troop today

The lions today were definitely the highlight. Very very active chasing each other, pouncing etc etc. Ted the castrated male is however now looking very old.despite this though he is still keeping up with the girls.

I'm also unsure as to how long that the wolf pack will go for. One of the instructors at my college was a previous staff member of the carnivore team at ksp and she has said that Carlos the dominant male has passed so I'm unsure what will happen. I went to the wolf enclosure on the foot safari today and nothing is happening despite the park saying they are developing the area so looks like the wolves are going no where soon. The enclosure is just overgrown (perfect for wolves).

No changes to the foot safari. Giraffes were kept inside all day, not even the top doors were open so they weren't even visible from a distance. Miron and sinda were calling out. Still not mixed to which I don't think is a bad thing because sinda is 14 years old.

 

[BillBoy80]

Had a great visit today. It was so very quiet which meant I git great views of all the animals. Thought I'd give a few updates.

The zebras are STILL in that paddock in the first section. I'm beginning to wonder if that is where they will stay. However I only saw one today and keepers were looking at its legs and I noticed that it's back legs kind of bend out after the knee joint if you get what I mean so unsure what is wrong there.

In zone 4 there were actually 3 rhino's which the most ive seen in here before was 2 and on both visits to the safari drive today they were all sparing at each other. Also there are still no ostrich so have they left?

The larger African zone has another 3 rhino's in it which were much more peaceful in the hut. The roan antelope were a no show today. I really miss the ankle so hope they will soon come back.

Lots of babies in the baboon troop today

The lions today were definitely the highlight. Very very active chasing each other, pouncing etc etc. Ted the castrated male is however now looking very old.despite this though he is still keeping up with the girls.

I'm also unsure as to how long that the wolf pack will go for. One of the instructors at my college was a previous staff member of the carnivore team at ksp and she has said that Carlos the dominant male has passed so I'm unsure what will happen. I went to the wolf enclosure on the foot safari today and nothing is happening despite the park saying they are developing the area so looks like the wolves are going no where soon. The enclosure is just overgrown (perfect for wolves).

No changes to the foot safari. Giraffes were kept inside all day, not even the top doors were open so they weren't even visible from a distance. Miron and sinda were calling out. Still not mixed to which I don't think is a bad thing because sinda is 14 years old.

I’m not sure what the plan is for the Zebra but the fact they have remained located in that paddock for over a year now suggests that’s where these two boys will remain. They’ve recently switched from having one of the male rhino’s in the first paddock and the five females in the larger second paddock in the African Zone. The female Rhino’s are split into two groups. Winnie & Piglet (both 30 years old) are always together and Meru (28 years old) is always with Bayami and Keeva the two youngsters (6 years old). The two groups sometimes clash. At the moment they appear to have Sharka (30 years old male) with Winnie & Piglet in the first paddock and Meru, Bayami and Keeva in the second paddock. I don’t think Pembe the younger male (13 years old) is up on the drive at the moment.

I think the Ostriches are just off show because of Avian flu. The local Avian flu outbreaks also mean that the Bird of Prey shows have to take place indoors currently. The Roan Antelope are quite elusive and stay close to the Antelope house (although I did see two of them out at the weekend).

The Lions are on great form as always, they are such an active pride. Ted does get a bit of a tough time from some of the Lionesses from time to time, sometimes ending up with cuts/marks on face (which I noticed earlier this week). He’s still a quick healer though, so give him two weeks and he will look much better

I don’t know what is happening with Sinda and Miron at the moment. As you said Sinda is not a young tiger and that must reduce the chance of a successful outcome. Miron is a very powerful tiger so they must be carefully weighing up the potential of a successful outcome with the safety and wellbeing of Sinda. Miron is a permanent part of the collection at Knowsley (8 years old) so it may well be that Knowsley decide to bring in a younger female to pair him up with in future.

The last I heard (which was fairly recently) is that the Wolves are still moving back to the foot Safari. I’d also heard that Carlos had passed away so there was no longer a breeding pair. I think they may just be down to the five wolves born in the Summer of 2020. They will obviously not going to allow any inbreeding between the siblings.

Here are a few images from the last few weeks

 

[Keelan]

Great info on the rhino's. Bird flu did cross my mind about the ostrich but the last time I saw them was towards the end of last summer but we will see what happens there. I hope that the zebras will move but as you say they have been in there for over a year now. With the tigers I personally don't think that miron should have arrived yet. With the situation they have at the moment though I think that the sisters should have been left to live on the tiger trail and Miron should be where bira is on the drive. Then once the girls pass he could have been moved into the tiger trail and a new female introduced. Although the sisters are 14 years old, they ciukd still live upto around 20 so it could be a while before they pass but we will wait and see.

 

[catfan]

Visited couple of times at the weekend for first time in a few months. Had a trip on the baboon bus and the driver said the zebras will be moving into the main drive through part but didn't say when. He also said they thought/hoped one of the rhinos was pregnant.
Also spoke to a keeper who said that Miron and Sinda are put together whenever she is season but will continue to be kept (rotated) in the separate enclosures and that Bira will be moving to another collection in a few weeks in Ireland. Asked if anything was planned for the enclosure she is in currently but didn't know.

 

[BillBoy80]

Visited couple of times at the weekend for first time in a few months. Had a trip on the baboon bus and the driver said the zebras will be moving into the main drive through part but didn't say when. He also said they thought/hoped one of the rhinos was pregnant.
Also spoke to a keeper who said that Miron and Sinda are put together whenever she is season but will continue to be kept (rotated) in the separate enclosures and that Bira will be moving to another collection in a few weeks in Ireland. Asked if anything was planned for the enclosure she is in currently but didn't know.

Good to hear there are still plans to move the Zebra’s back on to the drive. I’m happy to see Bira to move on to another collection as it felt like a backwards step permanently move her back to the old tiger & lion enclosures. She will definitely be missed as she’s a proper feisty character.

It will be interesting to see what they do with the enclosures long term. I can see why they may keep all / part of it empty in the short term. It gives the park flexibility when it comes to the existing carnivores. They could potentially move Sinda out there if the breeding programme proves to be unsuccessful which would allow them to introduce a younger female to Miron. In the slightly longer term it could be used to for a new Lion pride / to retire the existing pride.

I do however think it is likely we will see a new carnivore species on the drive when the Wolves return to the foot safari.

There does appear to have been some new arrivals over the last week or two. I took these photographs of the enclosure directly after the Zebra enclosure on Tuesday

 

[Embu]

Cheers for the update @BillBoy80. As usual very informative, it will feel like losing a part of the family when Bira departs as she's been there for so long but obviously great news for both collections.

I've only ever seen a single Blesbok so new individuals are always a welcome sight.

Wonder when the wolves will move back to foot safari or whether they will keep them on drive through for the summer season? What do we reckon IF they will replace with a new species African Painted dogs or Cheetah perhaps?

 

[BillBoy80]

Cheers for the update @BillBoy80. As usual very informative, it will feel like losing a part of the family when Bira departs as she's been there for so long but obviously great news for both collections.

I've only ever seen a single Blesbok so new individuals are always a welcome sight.

Wonder when the wolves will move back to foot safari or whether they will keep them on drive through for the summer season? What do we reckon IF they will replace with a new species African Painted dogs or Cheetah perhaps?

I think it is likely they will move back in time for the summer. I’m thinking Painted Dogs are the more likely with them having been previously part of the collection.

 

[Embu]

I think it is likely they will move back in time for the summer. I’m thinking Painted Dogs are the more likely with them having been previously part of the collection.

This would be a huge step forward for Knowsley.

 

[Embu]

Going off the above photos, would these Blesboks be youngsters or do some individuals not have the striking white blaze?

 

[Maguari]

Going off the above photos, would these Blesboks be youngsters or do some individuals not have the striking white blaze?

Those are youngsters with the blaze just growing in.

 

[Embu]

Thanks @Maguari, I know it sounded like a stupid question but I wasn't sure.

Anyone know how many Blesboks currently live at Knowsley?

 

[Embu]

Out of curiosity, if Sinda (Amur tiger) was to get pregnant(unlikely I know) but hyperthetically speaking, is there a separate space in the current enclosure for Miron to live separately or would he have to move back onto safari drive?

Just curious whether his enclosure would be able to be used for another species or whether they would still need it for tigers?