FINDING ways to keep youngsters entertained over the summer can be a challenge for mums and dads, but spare a thought for jumbo parents Shaba and Tots at Knowsley Safari Park.

Their hyperactive offspring, Ashanti and Nala, were born early last year and like nothing better than passing the time by getting into trouble and annoying other members of the herd with their pranks. The good news is that the park's big babies get on like a house on fire and spend all of their waking hours in each other's company.

David Ross, Safari Park General Manager, explains; "They really are a couple of young tearaways who spend their days dashing around exploring their enclosure, rolling in mud, crashing into the other elephants or hiding from their parents.

"It's a wonderful life for the dynamic duo who are both really lucky to have a youngster of their own age to grow up.

"All in all it's great fun for them and for our visitors. Understandably though, a few of their pranks are rather less popular with some of the older members of the herd who are used to a more sedate way of life.

"However, at the end of each day, after all their high jinks, the pair return to the elephant house exhausted and quickly go off to sleep.

"And like parents all over Merseyside, that's the time the rest of the herd looks forward to, when the children are asleep and they can settle down to some quiet and a well-earned rest."

If you want to check out the antics of Ashanti and Nala, plus a whole range of creatures great and small, then visit Knowsley Safari Park, open every day from 10am. For more information, telephone 0151 430 9009.