Knowsley Safari has announced new 'Bear Experiences' in line with the release of the Paddington in Peru film.

The experiences will allow visitors to go behind the scenes with the Andean Bears, the species that inspired Paddington Bear.

These experiences will take place in 'Bear Country' on Knowsley’s Foot Safari.

Male Chui and female Bahia, part of a global breeding program, arrived earlier this year.

The 'Bear Experiences' are launching in line with the release of Paddington in Peru (Image: Stanley Enterprise) Visitors partaking in the bear experience will get the chance to prepare some of the bears' favourite foods, including chopped vegetables, porridge balls, and bamboo sticks filled with honey and peanut butter.

They will also get to prepare coconuts for the bears.

The 60-minute encounter will also give guests the opportunity to create and provide enrichment for the bears to encourage exercise and meet their stimulation needs.

Visitors will have the chance to ask the Safari’s animal experts questions about the bears.

Andean Bears, also known as Spectacled Bears due to their facial markings, are at risk of extinction and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Knowsley Safari is working in partnership with the Peru-based Spectacled Bear Conservation Society to help protect the species.

Nicola Watson, learning and development and research and conservation operations manager at Knowsley Safari, said: "Our brand-new Bear Experiences give visitors exclusive access to keeper areas which are usually out of bounds to the public.

"It’s an exciting and interactive opportunity to learn more about Bahia and Chui and the wider species.

"Of course, guests will also be rolling their sleeves up to get involved in feeding and enrichment.

These experiences will take place in 'Bear Country' on Knowsley’s Foot Safari (Image: Stanley Enterprise) "The new Bear Experiences are an enjoyable way to help spread awareness of the plight of Andean Bears.

"So, once you’ve seen Paddington in Peru, come and see the real bears who inspired the character."

Bear Experiences take place from March to September and can be booked now on the Knowsley Safari website.

Experiences are for ages eight and over and can accommodate up to four people.

Prices start from £149 for one person and go up to £259 for a family of four.