Busch takes wildlife park claim to court

The Zion Wildlife Gardens, located just near Whangarei. Photo / Janna Dixon

The former owner of Zion Wildlife Gardens, Patricia Busch, has lodged a court claim regarding the sale of the park, alleging the receivers did not follow the proper process.

Mrs Busch, who is still listed as the official park operator but is not allowed on the grounds, has filed a statement of claim in the High Court that alleges receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers failed to publicly advertise the sale of the park through an open tender for land and assets.

The Kamo park, now known as Zion Wildlife Kingdom, was sold to Beth McVerry and Ian Stevenson, of Tauranga, in January. They recruited Mrs Busch's son, Craig Busch - also known as the Lion Man - to run the big cat wildlife park.

Mrs Busch, her daughter Megan, Country Developments and Wildlife Pictures are seeking damages and costs against Mr Busch, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Kingdom of Zion and its new owners.

Mrs Busch claims in papers filed in court that the sale by PwC was not advertised.

Receiver Colin McCloy, of PwC, said the claim was without foundation. He declined to comment further given the matter was before the court.

PwC wrote to Mrs Busch in September saying it was seeking expressions of interest from parties willing to buy the park. She alleges PwC failed to inform her of the value of the the land and its assets. She also alleges PwC failed to obtain a proper valuation of land and assets.