Whangarei locals getting behind big-cat park

Members of the public will soon be allowed to feed the big cats using long tongs to hold the meat. Photo / Supplied

Zion Wildlife Gardens staff are optimistic about the Whangarei big-cat park's future.

Community support, including financial help from Kamo businesses, has been a key factor in reviving the park's prospects after a long period of despondency.

Zion gained international prominence through the success of the Lion Man television series featuring Craig Busch, now in a legal dispute with his mother, Patricia, over administrative control of the wildlife park.

Staff morale hit rock bottom when Zion keeper Dalu Mncube died after being mauled by a rare white tiger when cleaning its cage on May 27.

But spirits have since lifted, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry checking out animal welfare and safety procedures and Whangarei-born zoo troubleshooter Tim Husband brought over from Australia to lead the park's recovery.

Mr Husband was smiling after MAF inspectors on Wednesday gave the park a "glowing" report.

He said he had been working "eight days a week" since taking the reins six weeks ago and was convinced the park was "a real goer" with "terrific" potential for commercial success. "They have everything here for Zion to become internationally known as a place to learn about working with big cats."

The 13 staff looking after the park's animals - 22 lions, 13 tigers, two cheetahs, two servals, a black leopard and a baboon - were now united in their enthusiasm to see Zion make progress.

Community support was essential for future success. "The people of Whangarei are part of this - it's their zoo."

Zion drew a record 532 visitors when it provided half-price admission for Whangarei people on a weekend last month.

A 30 per cent admission price cut for city people will continue to the end of winter in a bid to stimulate revenue and Whangarei interest in the big cats.

The larger animals each eat an average 7kg of meat daily, or about $80 worth monthly. The Kamo Business Association and other sponsors are helping with this bill and some Kamo shopkeepers have put collection boxes in their premises to help the park.

Mr Husband plans to stimulate interest in the park by allowing supervised members of the public to feed the big cats using long tongs to hold meat.

People are also to be allowed into a cage in pairs to feed the cheetahs, which are classed as small cats.

Baby cats could be another visitor attraction. Regulations prevent the public handling big cats, but their babies could be patted and fed.

Veteran keeper John Davis, 59, said staff had been "a bit down" for a while but everything was now "looking good".

Mr Husband - who on arrival was talking about staying only three months - has now assured Patricia Busch that even if he had to leave to meet family or work commitments overseas, he would return regularly to "tweak" Zion.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE