FURY new arrivals will be putting a spring in visitor’s steps at Knowsley Safari this Easter.
Two Andean bears, the adorable species that inspired the much-loved character Paddington Bear, will be making the Cheshire safari their new home as the attraction ‘bear country’ opens to the public on Good Friday (March 29).
Already an exciting day out to observe monkeys, lions, rhinos and much more roaming around the park, visitors will now be able to meet the new arrivals, Bahia and Chui on the foot safari.
Once at Bear Country, visitors will instantly notice the difference between the breeding pair, as at 140kg, male Chui is twice the weight and size of female Bahia, who weighs a modest 69kg.
Bahia and Chui’s arrival also marks the start of the Safari’s conservation campaign to protect the plight of the Andean Bear, also known as the Spectacled Bear, due to their facial markings.
Working in partnership with Peru-based Spectacled Bear Conservation Society, the campaign officially launches on World Bear Day, this Saturday (March 23).
Mostly found in South America’s high elevation humid forests including Peru and Bolivia, Andean Bears - also known as Spectacled Bears due to their light brown facial markings - are unfortunately at risk of extinction and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with potentially as few as 2,500 mature individuals remaining.
The bears are under threat from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, including poaching.
Knowsley Safari is hopeful its new campaign will help conserve and protect the future of these placid-natured bears by providing support such as provision of equipment and educational materials.
Bahia and Chui arrived from Jersey Zoo, where they lived for ten years. The bears’ new habitat at Knowsley Safari has platforms for them to play and feed on and plenty of trees, which they enjoy climbing – they’re also loving chomping on bamboo sticks filled with honey and peanut butter and cracking open coconuts! And after a busy day, Bahia and Chui can recharge in their house with wood wool-filled nest boxes.
Lucy Petrie, carnivore animal manager at Knowsley Safari, said: “We’re really pleased with how quickly Bahia and Chui have settled in at Knowsley and we’re looking forward to educating visitors about these very special bears.
“During the Easter holidays, we’ll be offering interactive experiences including talks, touch tables and activities to educate and inspire everyone who visits. Guests will be able to observe Bahia and Chui while learning about the conservation methods we’re using to help protect their relatives in the wild.”
Bahia and Chui arrived from Jersey Zoo, where they lived for ten years. For further information about Knowsley Safari’s Andean Bears, please visit: https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/our-safari/animals/adean-bear
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