Knowsley Safari Park Dolphinarium: 1972 - 1985

BACKGROUND

Knowsley dolphinarium was the one of a number of dolphinariums constructed and operated by Entam  (Trust Houses Forte Leisure).

The dolphinarium opened in June 1972 and housed various dolphins over the years including two animals that where acquired from a drive fisheries in Japan which were acclimated at Ocean Park, Hong Kong prior to that trip to the UK. The story of these animals capture and transport were the subject of a special programme in the BBC animal series 'Animal Magic' featuring Terry Nutkins, who was also the general manager for the Etam groups dolphinaria (see Radio Times article below). 

Terry Nutkins acquired the last remaining dolphins owned by Etam when they ceased dolphinarium operations in 1983. These two animals, Clyde and Sooty, where then displayed at Knowsley.

Dolphins destined for Flamingoland were temporarily housed at Knowsley in 1984 whilst the then resident dolphins Clyde and Sooty were displayed for one season at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Scotland.

Clyde and Sooty returned to Knowsley for the 1985 season. This was the last time dolphins were displayed at Knowsley. After this the dolphin exhibit was then utilised for sea lion displays. An additional outside pool was eventually constructed for the sea lions.

A Review of Dolphinaria states:

Pool: Rectangular main pool; 15.24 x 7.62 x 3.96 m deep. 2 holding pools, 3.05 x 3.05 x 3.05 m deep, which can be isolated and emptied separately. Indoor, salt mix water. Full Details HERE.

PHOTOGRAPHS

 

Wanted: alive not dead. Radio Times - 15-12 August 1981