Knowsley Safari

Sam, a beloved 15-year-old male African lion at the zoo, was humanely euthanised on 21st August following a rapid deterioration in health caused by cancerous liver tumours, one of which had ruptured causing internal bleeding. The zoo's veterinary team made the decision to prevent further suffering after Sam became lethargic and unresponsive within 24 hours of appearing bright and alert that morning.

Archimedes, a 5-year-old male capybara, has arrived at Knowsley Safari and joined females Dilly and Darla in the Equatorial Paddock. After initial cautious introductions, the trio have settled together well and keepers hope they may produce young in the future.

Knowsley Safari is offering an unlimited visits pass from 18th July to 31st August 2026, allowing families to experience the safari drive, Camp Knowsley, and animal encounters multiple times throughout the summer. The pass costs £45.50 for adults and £41.13 for children, and serves as an introduction to full membership.

Knowsley Safari is offering one free adult ticket per car with a full-paying child ticket for Father's Day weekend (20–21 June 2026) using code celebrate2026. The promotion includes access to the 5-mile Safari Drive, Foot Safari, animal displays featuring sea lions and birds of prey, and dining options.

Camp Knowsley, a woodland-based family activity programme, returns to Knowsley Safari from 20 July to 31 August 2026. The experience includes bushcraft challenges, campfire sessions, nature trails, and hands-on outdoor skills activities for all ages.

Knowsley Safari is passing on government VAT savings to visitors as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative running from 25 June to 1 September 2026. The reduced rate will be automatically applied when eligible tickets are purchased online in advance.

Knowsley Safari supports The Wild Camel Protection Foundation to help conserve critically endangered wild camels, a different species from the Bactrian camel. Approximately 1,000 wild camels remain in the wild, spread between China and Mongolia.

Knowsley Safari is hosting an immersive fairytale event from 23–31 May featuring costumed characters, puppetry, craft sessions, and story time to celebrate the National Year of Reading. The Foot Safari will be transformed into a magical world with interactive installations, finger puppet-making, and performances included with standard admission.

Handaya, an African lioness born at Knowsley Safari in 2008, passed away peacefully in her sleep on 18 May after experiencing age-related health issues. She had lived at the safari for her entire 17 years and was approaching her 18th birthday.

Ozo, a young Amur tiger at Knowsley Safari, died on 7th April 2026 from a severe congenital heart defect that caused sudden heart failure during a veterinary investigation. The cub, who was born at the safari park, had shown signs of abnormal breathing and was smaller and less energetic than his sister Akira, but the heart condition could not have been detected or prevented in advance.

Piglet, a white rhino who lived at Knowsley Safari for 31 years, passed away peacefully on 4th April after experiencing age-related health issues. She was approximately 40 years old and was a beloved member of the safari's rhino group.