Everything you need to know about the new Knowsley Safari docu-series

We all love a family trip to Knowsley Safari with its amazing animals and incredible conservation work, and a new docu-series is set to go behind the scenes of the much-loved Mersey attraction.

From the people who care for the hundreds of animals on the 550-acre site to some of its hilarious visitors, it promises a fascinating insight, and Knowsley itself says: “This special television series will showcase Knowsley Safari like you’ve never seen before.”

So, if you want to make sure you don’t miss a single episode, here’s everything you need to know…

What is the new series called?

The new series is called Secret Life of the Safari Park, and it’s made by the same people who make The Supervet and The Secret Life of the Zoo, so you know it’s going to be good.

When does it start?

It starts on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

What channel is it on?

You can catch it on Channel 4 (and on demand via streaming) and there are six weekly hour-long episodes, each starting at 8pm.

What can I expect?

A look at everything you don’t see from behind the wheel of your car or on foot at the safari park which attracts more than half a million visitors every year! It’s the longest safari drive in the UK and home to hundreds of wild animals and some of the rarest species on earth, so it’s an incredible place and you’ll get to find out more about the dedicated keepers who look after all the extraordinary animals, and the incredible work Knowsley does… as well as see some of the hilarious antics of its residents and the people who go to see them (there are some funny reactions captured on car dashcams).

Who narrates the series?

Actress Maxine Peake, who people will remember from loads of comedies and dramas – and who played Hillsborough campaigner Anne Williams in the acclaimed ITV four-parter Anne – will narrate the series.

Episode One

The opening episode offers a rare insight into the life of Knowsley’s pride of lions, ruled by the magnificent alpha male ‘king of the jungle’ Sam. In the wild, an alpha male has to assert himself and command the respect of his family – and 12-year-old Sam takes his role very seriously, controlling his harem of four females as well as his elderly uncle Ted.  Normally the two males get along well with only one thing getting in the way to change that – the opposite sex. As Savannah comes into season, Sam goes for Ted, and soon the whole pride has joined in…

Other highlights of the first episode include:

* The heart-stopping drama of a Congo buffalo calf’s birth

* The escapades of Cosmo, a mischievous fallow deer, as he attempts to charm the ladies.

Do we get to see Knowsley’s famous baboons?

But of course! The juvenile delinquents in Knowsley’s 200-plus baboon troop are notorious for wreaking havoc with visitors’ cars, and the troop’s most prolific teenage vandal is seven-year-old Kevin. While other males of Kevin’s age are starting to come of age, Kevin is taking it out on Mini Cooper wing mirrors and, as he matures, his bad behaviour is likely to get worse before it gets better.

What if I want to see the safari park in real life?

Knowsley Safari is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.45am to 4.30pm, and last drive is at 3pm. Tickets start from £12.50 per person, with savings available online.

Can I go and pay on the day?

Yes you can, but it depends if there is space available, so it is always advisable to book ahead online to be certain of entry.

Visit the Knowsley Safari website here.