Safari Park hit by baby boom

Oct 25 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

Baby Lion Cubs born at Knowsley Safari park this Autumn. Picture: PENNY BOYD

SPRING is in the air six months early at Knowsley Safari Park, leaving keepers wondering what has caused the big love-in. One theory is that it could even be something in the water.

Although winter may be on the way, many of the animals at the safari park don’t seem to be aware of it.

Just as the nights are starting to get a bit chilly, Knowsley’s wide-open spaces are echoing to the sound of not-so-tiny feet.

More than 30 animals have been born in the past few weeks as part of a baby boom that has arrived much later in the year than normal.

Animal experts say it is not an ideal time of the year for births. When animals are born in the spring, they have relatively good weather in the summer and autumn when they are very young and most vulnerable.

When they're born at this time of year, they have to face a British winter. Staff at the park are planning to give them a lot of care and attention to see them through the cold weather.

The mystery baby explosion includes seven lion cubs – in addition to the three born in April – as well as 10 baboons and a number of forest buffalo and blackbuck, oryx, nilgai and sitatunga antelope calves.

The autumn new-comers join all the young animals who were born during the normal breeding season earlier in the spring.

This year’s new arrivals included more baboons, wallabies, bison, ankole cattle, red lechwe and eland antelope and Pere David’s deer.

Safari Park general manager David Ross said last night: “We’re used to an annual population explosion here at the park but it’s very unusual for it to be continuing as late in the year as this.

“However, we’re very proud of our breeding record at Knowsley and everyone is delighted that once again this year, a number of the new arrivals are from species that are regarded as endangered or vulnerable in the wild.

“We even wonder if it could be something in the water at Knowsley. Our breeding success reflects the fact that the safari park has large herds that are living in very natural conditions and are free to roam over large areas.

“As part of this, animals can mate at any time rather than the male being ‘introduced’ to the female at specific times for breeding purposes which happens in many zoos. Natural conditions equate to happy animals and a good breeding environment.”

larryneild@dailypost.co.uk