Lower-income families will have the chance to see Whangarei's world-famous Zion Wildlife Gardens for only $2, instead of the usual $60. It is part of commemorations being held as the big cat park honours a handler who was mauled to death a year ago. Dalu Mncube, 26, a South African cat keeperwith nine years' experience, was mauled to death by Bengal tiger Abu while cleaning its cage at Zion last May. To honour the anniversary of his death, Zion is holding a memorial service for family and friends of Mr Mncube at the Kamo park on the morning of May 29. For two days after this, Community Services Card holders will get entry to the park for only $2. Zion spokeswoman Sara Reid said Zion had a number of events planned to honour Mr Mncube. More details would be revealed on the day of his memorial service. It had been decided to open the park to those who couldn't normally afford to go. "Dalu was a huge part of the Zion family and he loved nothing more than showing his cats off to people. He was such a people person and always had a big smile on his face when he was showing people his cats," Ms Reid said. "The more people that saw them, the more proud he was and this is a way of getting people who may not be able to afford to come to Zion normally to see them. Dalu would be smiling to see them all coming through to see his big cats." She said anyone with a Community Services Card could apply to visit the park for a $2 donation on May 29 or 30, with the money raised going to a trust fund set up to provide for Mr Mncube's children. Ms Reid said because of the expected interest in the offer - it will be advertised through the 17,000-strong friends of Zion email list and its website - people would have to book places by emailing sara@zionwildlifegardens.co.nz There is expected to be space for several hundred people to visit the park over the two days. She hoped that the African music and dance troupe which performed at Mr Mncube's funeral service would perform at his memorial.
