Superstar lion cubs Max and Millie - the pride of Rotorua - are off to a new home in Canberra.
A major attraction at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, they will be resettled at Canberra's National Aquarium and Wildlife Park.
The co-owner of Paradise Valley, John Hamlett, said the Australian park approached him when the cubs were five weeks old, because the Australians wanted new breeding stock for their own pride.
Paradise Valley has sent lions to zoos in New Zealand, but has not sent any overseas before.
Mr Hamlett said staff had become very attached to their furry friends and there were tears in their eyes when he broke the news to them.
- NZPA
Top cats off to Australia
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