Park admits guilt over keeper death

Zion Wildlife Garden's big cat handler Dalu Mncube with his beloved Kahli and Indira. Photo / Zion Wildlife Gardens

A Northland wildlife park has pleaded guilty to failing to protect a keeper who was mauled to death.

Big cat keeper Dalu Mncube was killed at the park by a white tiger in 2009.

Zion Wildlife Gardens and Zion Wildlife Services in Whangarei admitted today to two charges of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees.

The charges were laid by the Department of Labour and sentencing will be held next month.

The wildlife centre rose to fame through the Lion Man television series.

- Newstalk ZB