Wolves imported for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

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Movie makers filming The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe have imported wolves to New Zealand after getting approval from the Environment Risk Management Authority.

But they have withdrawn an application to import reindeer from the United States.

It is unclear where the wolves will be filmed, but it has been widely reported many of the outdoor scenes are to be shot around Castle Hill in western Canterbury.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) said the wolves were currently being held at a North Island zoo.

It had to approve any relocation but as yet had not been briefed on the film's locations, national manager of animal imports and exports Kevin Corrin said.

Film-makers are now looking for another way to film reindeer.

MAF's Biosecurity journal reports the application was withdrawn after it was clear the deer would not comply with requirements in the draft risk analysis.

Producers had hoped to bring in 14 from a specific, closer herd of reindeer in the United States.

"The proposal was to keep the animals in strict containment while in New Zealand and re-export them to the United States after the three-month filming period."

Since no health standard for reindeer exist, a risk analysis was drafted by a special project team.

At the end of May, a reindeer in the herd tested positive for Q fever and the application was withdrawn.

"MAF understands the film company will use alternative means of producing those sections of the movie that include reindeer."

- NZPA