By 3news.co.nz staff
Zion Wildlife Gardens has gone into receivership, and operator Patricia Busch fears some of the big cats may be euthanised.
Ms Busch is the mother of Craig Busch, who found fame as TV's 'The Lionman' founded the park in 2002, and ran it until 2006.
In a statement this afternoon, Ms Busch said her family would no longer be around to look after the animals if receivers took control of the park.
"If the receivers now move in the cats will be separated, some will be sold overseas, some will be re-housed and for those that cannot, will be put down,'' says Ms Busch.
"These animals are like our family and we know that we can keep breeding these endangered cats."
Colin McCloy and David Bridgman have been appointed receivers of Zion.
“We are committed to doing the best we can for the welfare of the wildlife," says Mr McCloy.
"As a result we are working closely with an independent zoo expert, who is not related to any prior operator. This is to ensure the current welfare and containment standards of the animals at Zion Wildlife Gardens are maintained."
Mr Busch remains a shareholder in Zion, but has not worked there since 2008, when he was fired.
"This park was not only his life work, it has become the families' life work," says Ms Busch.
"Thousands of hours have been spent on this vision of a haven for Bengal tigers and a breeding programme, we have achieved the impossible only to see it being destroyed before our very eyes.
"I despair to see this happening to the cats. I want New Zealand to help me save the cats, in fact for New Zealand."
The privately-run park has struggled in recent years, particularly the ongoing legal battles between Mr and Ms Busch and the death of South Africa-n-born animal handler Dalu Mncube, who was mauled to death by a white tiger in front of customers.
Mr Busch is yet to make a statement, as he in South Africa filming a new series.
3 News
source: newshub archive
