Lion park to reopen after fatal mauling

Whangarei's Zion Wildlife Gardens has been allowed to reopen, following the mauling of a lion keeper on May 29.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Department of Labour gave approval for the Northland park to reopen today after keeper Dalu Mncube was killed by a white tiger last month.

The 260kg tiger was shot dead shortly after the attack.

MAF required the park to provide separate facilities in all the big cat enclosures and said it was satisfied with the welfare of the animals at the zoo.

The Department of Labour issued notices banning staff from direct contact with adult lions, tigers, and leopards and was continuing its investigation into the death of Mr Mncube .

Zion Wildlife Gardens could not be contacted for comment as to when it would reopen.

- NZPA