THE arrival of spring means visitors to Knowsley Safari will be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny hooves as they drive around the park.

As the weather starts to get warmer the safari's Eland and Père David’s deer herds are celebrating new arrivals.

In the first few weeks the Père David's fawns remain hidden from view, but are fed by their mothers. After this they start to graze with the herd at three weeks old. The Eland calves can ofter be spotted surrounded by the wildebeest which become protective of the newborns in their early stages. Once they find their feet visitors will see these playful creatures jumping and bouncing around.

Eveline de Wolf, head of Animal Collection at the safari park said: "Spring kicks off a whole new type of animal care for us as we begin to see much more activity from our animals. It's a really exciting time for us and the visitors and especially exciting to see how some of our animals form bonds with the offspring of other species."