Supporters rally to reinstate Lion Man

Former park director Craig Busch is seeking to regain control of the Zion Wildlife Gardens. Photo / Supplied

Fans of Lion Man Craig Busch are staging fundraising walks around the world to help finance his bid to buy back the Zion Wildlife Gardens.

Supporter Selena McMinn, a computer programmer from Beach Haven on Auckland's North Shore will lead a sponsored walk involving more than 20 people from Takapuna to Milford at midday on Saturday.

Ms McMinn is a member of Mr Busch's Facebook fan club, and said fundraising drives, such as walks and car-boot sales, were being held internationally.

She said the first walk held in Edinburgh a few weeks ago involved four adults and two children dressed in lion and tiger costumes and raised £1318 ($3075).

"We're all huge cat-lovers and we believe that, in the best interest of the animals, Craig should return to Zion with 100 per cent ownership and directorship."

Ms McMinn said Mr Busch might attend Saturday's 6km walk.

"His work for the conservation of the great cats and the continuation of the beautiful Barbary and white lions in particular is amazing," she said.

"There are many thousands of supporters, and this is growing every day. We want to make New Zealand proud of this beautiful wildlife park once again."

Mr Busch was sacked after being accused of serious misconduct, including breaching safety protocols, inappropriate behaviour and performance issues.

Under an agreement signed between him and his mother, Patricia, three years ago, she lent him money to help him sort out some personal issues.

Mr Busch then resigned as park director and his mother assumed control of the business until the money was repaid.

Ms McMinn said money raised would go towards repaying the loan.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE