One of the busiest parts of Knowsley Safari Park has been closed off after two wild oystercatchers laid claim to the area.
The wading birds, often found in freshwater and seawater terrain, settled down in the gravel part outside the Birds of Prey display area just as the Safari was preparing to open its popular summer show, Flight of the Talons.
The park has now promised the birds, which are listed as 'near threatened' on International Union for Conservation of Nature red list, will be left in peace until their chicks have hatched.
