cover version of chart-topper Whole Again announced as wildcard Eurovision entry

Merseyside’s Knowsley Safari has ruffled a few feathers by submitting a late entry into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with its resident band Atomic Wolf’s cover of the iconic Liverpudlian girl band hit ‘Whole Again’.

The cover song – aptly named ‘Howl Again’ features a howling rendition of Atomic Kitten’s chart-topping song, which held the number one spot in the charts for four weeks in 2001 and is the UK’s fourth best-selling girl band single.

Atomic Wolf are an Iberian Wolf trio, renowned for their howling ability which is showcased frequently for visitors along the North West attraction’s 5-mile Safari Drive. It has been said that the wolves first heard the song being played on a safari keeper’s car radio, inspiring them to howl along and paving the way for their rather unique hit ‘Howl Again’.

Despite their Portuguese and Spanish lineage, Atomic Wolf are hoping to represent the United Kingdom with its truly wild-card entry. However, the BBC has already made it clear that additional consultation would have to be given to the entry, as competition eligibility criteria currently states that no live animals shall be allowed on stage.

Those who want to catch a glimpse of Atomic Wolf rehearsing can take advantage of the special Safari Xpress PeoplesBus service that’s running during Eurovision – from Liverpool City Centre to Knowsley Safari – on Wednesday 3rd May, Sunday 7th May and Wednesday 10th May.

Knowsley Safari’s Ian Duke said: “I couldn’t believe it when our wolves started piping up to the song – I’ve never encountered anything so amazing, and that’s saying something when you’re surrounded by so many unique animals all day. I went back to the office and jokingly said that they should record their hit for Eurovision and the rest is history!”

Keepers have been playing the song to the wolves daily, helping them to rehearse and given the vocal projection of their howls, their rendition of Atomic Kitten’s hugely popular song can often be heard from over a mile away.

Rachel Scott, Head of Marketing at Knowsley Safari, said: “We have high hopes that our own bid for this year’s Eurovision will be accepted. The contest is a beacon of inclusivity, and we feel that this should extend to our four-legged friends, who have a real fan base in Merseyside and across the North West.

“If Atomic Wolf is given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their species, it’d create a unique opportunity to educate others about their near threatened status within our world. It would be a ground-breaking moment for conservationists everywhere.”

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final takes place on Saturday 13th May at the Liverpool Arena.
For further information and to book tickets for Knowsley Safari please visit here.
COPY FOR APRIL FOOL’S DAY REVEAL:
Did you spot the April Fool’s Day story about Atomic Wolf? Sadly, Knowsley Safari’s Iberian Wolves won’t be entering their track ‘Howl Again’ into Eurovision, but the good news is that the PeoplesBus is no joke and is running a service from Liverpool City Centre to Knowsley Safari on Wednesday 3rd May, Sunday 7th May and Wednesday 10th May.