The Owner and Managing Director of Zion Wildlife Gardens, Patricia Busch, is proud to present the opening of the latest Lion and Tiger Enclosure to the New Zealand public.
Work commenced on the 540 square metre enclosure in the third week of July 2008.
Builders John Davis and Andrew Ward, commonly known as Moses and Arnie, along with local assistants Barry Gough and Hamish Hamilton braved extreme weather conditions to reach the targeted finishing date.
The large enclosure will be home to the rare and endangered Barbary/African Lion siblings Tshaka, Abdullah and Cleo and their adopted sister, the cheeky Royal White Bengal Tigress, Shanti. The four have grown up together and always invite interest from visitors.
The enclosure is made out of green chain link mesh, which is 4 metres high with outriggers on a 45 degree angle inwards with five electric wires. Each post is placed 4 metres apart and are 250-300mm in diameter and 2-3.5 metres concreted into the ground. A large retaining wall was also necessary to prevent any future slips.
Inside is a beautiful big Totara tree, a play house, a den box with a cosy bunk bed and enrichment toys including logs and a big ball. A small hill has also been built and is surrounded by top soil with an outer pace track laid in gravel.
On the outside of the enclosure is a lock off area to enclose these animals when daily cleaning and maintenance of den boxes is done or if medical attention is needed. The large entrance gate allows the enclosure to be accessible to large vehicles and contains the feed flap.
The enclosure is a credit to Management and all Zion Wildlife Gardens’ staff who pulled together to achieve the best enclosure built at the gardens yet.
To celebrate the opening we would like to offer one child free with every family that visits over the October 2008 school holiday period. Make a booking now or phone the booking office on 09 435 0110. Zion Wildlife Gardens’ staff and Big Cats look forward to meeting you in the near future. |
