IT’S right on our doorstep, yet many of us forget about Knowsley Safari Park which allows visitors to get up close to big cats and cheeky baboons, writes Kelsey Maxwell.

As a child, I remember going with my parents through the safari drive many times and this trip brought back fond memories of baboons clambering all over the car.

When the chance came up for me to head to the park with my dad and brother to see the new Amur Tiger Trail on Saturday, I jumped at the chance.

Amur tigers, often named Siberian tigers, are an endangered species, with the population thought to be around 500 in the wild. They are poached in their Russian homeland for their skin and bones, but in Knowsley they live in a habitat similar to their own, in peace and safety. The new trail, which can be seen from the Foot Safari, gives visitors lots of information about the giant cats, as well as an opportunity to watch them in their huge new home.

It also offers children – or big kids like me – the chance to test if they can leap as far as the Amur tigers.

There are also viewing screens and portals, which allow guests to get up close to the tigers.

It was great to see the tigers so relaxed in their surroundings – which look idyllic with a pond and beautiful trees, similar to their natural habitats in Russia.

After walking through the Foot Safari, which included giraffes, wolves, meerkats, sea lions, a fair ground and smaller creatures, we headed on the baboon bus to go and see the monkeys and big animals – without the danger of my dad’s car being beaten up.

My brother Alex has autism, so for him to see the baboons climb the ropes on the bus so close to him was brilliant.

He has always loved animals – particularly monkeys.

For me though, the highlight was seeing the baboons walking around with their tiny babies so close to us.

It’s great as a family to learn so much about the animals on the two hour tour, which is hosted by an informative guide, who knew the names and facts of all the animals at the park.

I can’t believe I waited this long to go back to the safari park, it’s a great day out for young and old alike.

n For more information visit knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk.