THE LOCAL community are encouraged to celebrate Chinese New Year at Knowsley Safari Park this week - with 2022 being the 'Year of the Tiger', which begins tomorrow (Tuesday, February 1).
Each Chinese New Year is represented with one of 12 zodiac animals, each with its own reputed attributes.
With the tiger the latest animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle, residents in St Helens and Knowsley are encouraged to celebrate this milestone with the safari park's two real-life tigers.
Knowsley's Amur tigers, Miron and Sinda, are some of the largest cats in the world and the public are able to get right up close with them as they stroll through their 10,000 square-metre, Russian-inspired Tiger Trail.
As Amur tigers can grow to more than three metres in length and consistently amaze attendees on their visit to the Safari Park.
They are recognised as the epitome of bravery and strength - traits which people born during a Tiger year are supposed to boast.
Other tiger traits are those who are expressive and unpredictable with a stubborn streak - like a predator chasing its prey and making quick decisions.
Previous Tiger years include 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974 and 1962.
Carnivores Manager at Knowsley Safari, Adam Kenyon, says: “The Amur tigers at Knowsley Safari are incredibly charismatic, fearless and ambitious. We see these traits in their behaviour daily as they enjoy jumping up trees and hunting for food.
“Maybe some of our guests born in a tiger year will recognise some of Miron and Sinda’s characteristics in themselves!”
Located on the Foot Safari at the Safari Parl, the Tiger Trail is the largest enclosure of its type in Europe with uninterrupted views through several huge windows, where guests are literally inches from these big cats.
The Amur Tiger Trail at Knowsley Safari is part of the attraction’s conservation efforts. There are only approximately 540 Amur Tigers living in the wild in the Russian Far East and male tiger Miron, along with tiger sisters, Sinda and Bira, are part of a global breeding programme.
Knowsley Safari continues to follow the latest guidelines to ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable experience across the 550-acre site. To visit, guests must pre-book tickets online at www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk.
The Safari Park is open from Wednesday to Friday between 10.30am and 4.30pm, and at the weekend between 10am and 4.30pm.
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