Dalu's Day - In Honour of our Big Cat Hero!
Tuesday 11 May, 2010

It has almost been a year since we lost our dear friend, workmate and much loved Zion family member Dalu Mncube. Over the past 12 months we have thought of, and missed Dalu daily. Every day we continue to remember his smile, his morning singing, his laughter, his way with people and his heart felt love for all the cats of Zion.

In honour of this very special man Zion Wildlife Gardens is opening up its gates to those on Community Service Cards who can gain entry for $2 per person/child.

"Dalu's face would light up when he showed off his big cats to Zion's visitors. We would like to honour him by filling the park with people on the 29th and 30th May" says spokeswoman Sara Reid. "We know that Dalu will be smiling down on us if he see's so many people enjoying all the cats at Zion".

"Anyone interested in attending on the day will need to most definately book. Numbers are limited and set tour times apply so please ensure you either email your booking through or phone the park" Sara says. "We will be checking to ensure those coming through have their community services cards with them so please do not forget them as this is your ticket into the park".

All proceeds from the $2 entry will be donated to the Dalu Mncube Family Trust which was established for Dalu's two children. Please visit the specials page on the Zion Wildlife Gardens website for more information on tour times.

Response to Taranaki Daily News
Thursday 29 April, 2010

Three of Zion Wildlife Gardens Royal white Bengal tigers – Kala, Azra and Anila, went on holiday to Pouakai Zoo in Tarakaki last week. The cats are on loan to Pouakai Zoo and are living in a custom build tiger enclosure.

Today the Tarankai Daily News has published an article in regards to the ownership of the cats. Zion Wildlife Gardens would like to take the opportunity to respond to the untruthful and false statements currently being made on behalf of Craig Busch in relation to the ownership of the animals of Zion Wildlife Gardens.

The legal advice for Zion Wildlife Gardens says “The claim from Craig Busch and the Busch Wildlife Foundation that they own the cats is an empty one. They have no sensible claim to any of the animals at Zion Wildlife Gardens”.

“Mr Busch is on record as saying the cats cannot be owned by anyone. But he also purported to transfer them to the trust. It is very clear he never owned them in the first place so therefore he could not legally transfer them into the Busch Wildlife Foundation Trust.”

The advice also states “In addition to this, this Trust has never paid for any of the animals or their upkeep. Mr Busch himself was (as the sole director) responsible for showing the animals as an asset of Country Developments Ltd. This is the still the proper position. My Busch and the Busch Wildlife Foundation Trust have never brought a claim in Court to determine the ownership of the animals. Mr Busch was challenged over a month ago to provide any legal basis for his claim. He has not responded”.

“Representing that these assets are owned by another entity (when they are clearly not) is actionable, and such action is being considered by Zion Wildlife Gardens Ltd and Country Developments Ltd.”

Barry Wards from MAF, Bart Harley from Pouakai Zoo and Megan Busch from Zion Wildlife Gardens

Luxury Holiday for Three!
Wednesday 21 April, 2010

It was an early start for the team at Zion Wildlife Gardens today with all hands on deck to help with the loading of three Royal White Bengal Tigers. Azra, Anila and Kala who were born and hand raised by Megan Busch at Zion Wildlife Gardens in Whangarei are off on holiday to Pouakai Zoo in New Plymouth.

Bart Hartley approach Zion approximately 12 months ago with a request for some tigers. “It’s been a long road” Bart said “But we got there in the end and we are delighted to have these tigers on loan from Zion”.

A new enclosure has been custom built at Pouakai Zoo to house the 3 girls. Patricia Busch, Managing Director said “When first approached I didn’t want to consider moving any of our cats as they are all part of our Zion family. But when I spoke to Bart and heard about his vision for Pouakai I wanted to help out. We came to an agreement to loan them some of our tigers for their new display. This will enable more New Zealander’s to share in the beauty of these rare animals. This is just one of a number of initiatives that the park is moving on”.

Patricia said “It was a difficult decision deciding which tigers would make the trip to New Plymouth but in the end it was agreed that Azra, Anila and Kala were the best choice as they are very relaxed, happy and well mannered cats. Bart was agreeable in taking all three sisters which meant we didn’t have to split them up”.

Barry Wards, Enforcement Officer for MAF was onsite at Zion today watching the team in action “It went to plan with absolutely no hitches.” says Barry “The cats were loaded securely and safely with no signs of stress. MAF have no concerns about the transfer and are impressed with how professionally it has been handled”.

Azra, Anila and Kala will be on display from Saturday onwards at Pouakai Zoo. “We will be taking a visit to New Plymouth in the near future to check up on our girls” says Patricia “In the meantime I encourage people to take the opportunity to view these beautiful creatures either at Pouakai or at Zion Wildlife Gardens in Whangarei”.

Zion News 9th April 2010
Friday 09 April, 2010

Response to the Herald article

The Park took an active role in securing the funds to transport Dalu to his homeland. Close communication was in place at all times with Dalu’s immediate family. The Dalu Mncube Family Trust was also set up at the time. This Trust is and remains in place for Dalu’s children and is administered by Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth, a law firm in Whangarei.

OSH Charges

The charges were heard in the Whangarei District Court Wednesday 7th April 2010 after being postponed twice, as a lawyer for Zion requested more time to receive official information from MAF to prepare for his defence.
He indicated they would enter a not guilty plea and a status hearing will now be held on July 6.

Ownership of Animals

Zion Wildlife Gardens is and remains the sole entity for the custody/ownership of all its Animals
Craig Busch has been advised that his claims to the contrary are actionable. Zion Wildlife Gardens is now examining Court action in respect of this matter.

Rewa and Abu relaxing at Zion Wildlife Gardens

Dalu with his beloved Kahli and Indira

News of Abu
Wednesday 17 March, 2010

The Management of Zion are concerned about certain allegations concerning ABUs corpse.

The day that Abu was buried was a very sad day for the management, staff and friends of the Park.

Abu was buried at the Park as per the statutory protocols, once the authorities had completed their investigations.

We can only wonder at the motive as to why there are individuals with malicious comments about our friend Abu

Zion Attracting International Volunteers
Sunday 21 February, 2010

Over the next month Zion Wildlife Gardens will be playing host to four international volunteers each travelling from different parts of the globe. Their sole purpose of coming to New Zealand is to provide a helping hand to the cats at Zion.

The application process for volunteers is in-depth with each applicant being required to fill in an application form, provide a CV, photograph and references. Once this information has been received the applicant will then complete a telephone interview and references will be checked. If all the boxes are ticked then the applicant is invited to the join the team at Zion and full training is given. For many this is a once in a life time experience being able to work up close with Zion's big cats and the experienced staff is something many have dreamed off but never thought they would get the chance to do.

If you would like to get on board as part of the Zion Team fill in the volunteers application form listed on the Zion website.

A PURRRRfect Mother and Daughter Reunion
Thursday 04 February, 2010

There are some very happy cats at Zion! Shikana and daughter Sita have been reunited after spending some time seperated over recent months.

Sita has now been moved up to Shikana's enclosure next door to Tygo one of our male White Bengal Tigers.

Both Mother and Daugher were excited to see each other and have been enjoying the last few days catching up with each other. Sita is now very settled and content being back with her Mum. Check back soon for some new photos of Sita settling in.

New Forum Now Available on Zion Website
Wednesday 20 January, 2010

We are excited to announce the Zion Website has continued to expand and now has a new forum for our fans.

This will enable fans to keep in contact, meet like minded people, ask questions about the cats at Zion and discuss interesting topics. They will also be able to share their Zion experiences with each other.

We invite all our fans to visit the forum and look forward to chatting with you in the future!

Little Petal arrives at Zion

A "Deer" Baby Fawn Arrives At Zion
Saturday 09 January, 2010

Whilst Zion Wildlife Gardens is dedicated to the preservation of Big Cats there are also a number of other animals that call Zion their home, some of whom are the resident deer who live at the Gardens.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce a new baby to our Zion family little "Petal" was born at the beginning of the year. Her mother Rosie, is one of the oldest deer at the park.

Zion Virtual Tours Are Coming!
Wednesday 06 January, 2010

Zion Wildlife Gardens is excited to introduce a new section to the website. This week we are filming guided tours at the park which will enable anyone around the world to share in the Zion experience.

The tours will be available on the website within the next couple of weeks. Those who are planning on visiting the park will be able to get a sneak peek at what they will see when they visit the park and those who are unable to make the trip to Zion will be able to share the experience, meet the cats of Zion and listen to the knowledgeable tour guides.

The Zion Team are really excited about this new development and hope you will be too!