Safari Park's big cats go swimming to cool down

July 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Knowsley Safari Park’s lions have taken the plunge to stave of the effects of the recent hot weather. With temperatures heading towards 30 degrees, Knowsley Safari Park’s lions have been keeping cool by swimming a new pond in their enclosure.

It is well known that domestic cats are not keen on water and the same is true of the lions at Knowsley Safari Park so it is unusual to see them swimming like this.  Of the big cats it is normally only the tigers who seem to be relaxed spending time in water.

Park manager David Ross commented “It just goes to show how warm it’s been over the last few days.  Fortunately, most of our animals are ‘programmed’ for tropical temperatures and are far happier in the extreme heat than they are in a cold snap during a typical Knowsley winter”.

Knowsley Safari Park has recently seen a surge in lion numbers following the birth of more than a dozen cubs over the last year.  The pride is now the biggest in the history of the attraction.

The pond is a valuable facility for the lions at Knowlsey. It ensures a plentiful supply of water for the big cats and is proving great for when they need to cool down. Not only that but it helps drainage for the site and ensures that during the wetter autumn and winter months the enclosure and the tacks don’t get too muddy

Find out more about Knowsley Safari Park's animals and attractions at their website : http://www.knowsley.com/s_park/

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Knowsley Safari Park was opened to the public in July 1971 by the 18th Earl of Derby. Situated in Knowsley on the outskirts of Liverpool, the vast reserve is home to many different animals including elephants, giraffes, lions, bongos, tigers and baboons. The Derby Estate have a tradition of keeping animals, ever since the famous artist and nonsense-poet Edward Lear was employed there in the 19th century to paint pictures of the Earl's collection. Smaller animals, including domestic pets, are also kept on site as part of the attractions for visitors.