Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Whangerei mayor welcomes wildlife park deal

Updated at 9:52 am on 1 February 2012

Whangarei Mayor Morris Cutforth says he is relieved a deal has been made that will ensure the welfare of the Zion wildlife park's big cats.

The receivers of Zion Wildlife Gardens have confirmed the sale of the park to a company called Zion Wildlife Kingdom.

It's understood the purchaser has engaged the park's former owner, the so-called Lion Man, Craig Busch, to help run the enterprise.

Mr Cutforth said people had become agitated about the idea of losing the cats, so he's pleased the deal means they will be well looked after.

He says Mr Busch has a way with cats that is pretty exceptional.

Mr Cutforth says he is also glad the park is staying in Whangarei as it's the best place for the park.

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