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As coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to be eased across the UK, safari parks are the latest in a string of businesses that have been given the go-ahead to welcome visitors again. They will be allowed to reopen alongside the country’s zoos and outdoors cinemas in time for the summer holidays. Safari parks, however, will still have to adopt and abide by social distancing regulations to ensure the safety of workers and visitors. Managing Director of Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside said the announcement to reopen was a “massive relief” amid the sector’s huge financial losses throughout the lockdown. 

He said: “Knowsley Safari has been ready for the past week to safely open to the public and we still can’t understand why it’s been OK for people to jump in their cars to go and get Big Macs, but not to come and see our big cats.

“After being shut for such a long period, every day really does count in terms of ticket sales and generating much needed revenue to care for more than 700 animals. 

“We’re urging people to take advantage of the online booking system and allocated visitor timeslots, which help with social distancing and COVID-19 safety. 

“It’s a massive relief for the whole team here at Knowsley Safari to know we can reopen and everyone is very excited.”

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Where are safari parks in the UK?

There are a number of safari parks to visit in the UK, ensuring a memorable day out for you and your family. 

West Midlands Safari Park, Worcestershire – This safari drive-through park in the West Midlands is one of the most-searched. 

Visitors are able to come face-to-face with rhinos, giraffes, lions and tigers in the African Plains, before heading into Wild Asia to see buffalo, blackbuck and deer. 

The walk-through area of the park boasts an array of animals to explore, as well as the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction. 

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Woburn Safari Park, Buckinghamshire – Woburn includes two safaris within its ticket price. Starts by taking a wild drive and adventure by car where you can see African lions, rhinos and American black bears. 

The on-foot safari enables visitors to spend time with meerkats in Desert Springs and Asian elephants, sea lions, penguins, lemurs and more along the way. 

Knowsley Safari Park, Merseyside – This park boasts the longest safari drive in Britain. Covering five miles, you will see every animal from lions to meerkats and buffalo to zebras. 

The best part about Knowsley Park is that visitors can go around the park as many times as they like.

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Longleaf Safari and Adventure Park, Wiltshire – Longleat offers an unforgettable experience with its famous drive-through safari. 

If you would rather sit back and enjoy the sites, you can hop on board the double decker Safari Bus and enjoy a guided tour around the safari. 

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Kent – Port Lympne in picturesque Kent has more than 88 species and 700 animals roam across the vast 600-acre land. 

Visitors can come face-to-face with one of Africa’s ‘big five’, including the black rhino or Rothschild giraffe. With incredible accommodation options on offer, it is a must-see spot for animal lovers. 

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