Eggs-traordinary bears arrive at Knowsley Safari this Easter

Andean Bears – the species that inspired Paddington Bear - will be putting a spring in visitors’ steps at Knowsley Safari this Easter.

‘Bear Country’ on the Foot Safari, home to Bahia and Chui, will be opening to the public on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, making Knowsley Safari an exciting family day out during the school holidays and beyond.

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 on Saturday March 23, 2024.

Mostly found in South America’s high elevation humid forests including Peru and Bolivia, Andean Bears 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.

Guests will be able to learn more about the Andean Bears at Bear Country, which is equipped with interactive learning opportunities and informative signage and 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 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