– The former Zion Wildlife Gardens, once home to Lion Man Craig Busch, is for sale.
– The 32.5ha property includes animal enclosures and staff accommodation but no big cats.
– Subdivision consent for four lots has been granted, offering development potential for the property.
The former home of Whangārei’s big cats and Lion Man Craig Busch has hit the market for sale.
The 32.5ha property at 124 Gray Road, in Te Kamo, Whangārei, includes animal enclosures, staff accommodation, and commercial infrastructure – but not the big cats that made the property famous.
The sanctuary has a tumultuous history. It was originally known as Zion Wildlife Gardens and was founded by self-taught big cat “wrangler” Busch, who shot to fame in the popular TV series The Lion Man.
Lion Man Craig Busch at the height of his fame, with lion cubs Aslan and Mardia. Photo / Northern Advocate
Zion Wildlife Gardens was once a popular tourist destination on the outskirts of Whangārei. Photo / NZPA
However, the various animal businesses that have operated from the property, starting in the early 2000s, have been in the headlines for other reasons.
In 2006, the park faced financial difficulties, with Busch accepting a bailout from his mother, who became the sole director.
Three years later, tragedy struck when zookeeper Dalu Mncube was mauled to death by a white tiger named Abu. The incident led to a temporary closure and safety upgrades.
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In 2013, Busch’s mother lost control of the park to a finance company due to mortgage defaults. The Northern Advocate reported that Auckland-based Bolton Equities bought the property in 2014 and invested $9m in upgrades to meet government requirements.
The park business reopened under new management in 2021 under the brand Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Two years later, the park went into liquidation, but reopened for public visits. The park’s last activity on its Facebook page was in June 2024.
Inside one of the accommodation buildings on the 32.5ha property. Photo / Supplied
The listing for 124 Gray Road does not refer to its past, simply describing the site as offering “a rare blend of scale, infrastructure, and future potential”.
“Well-developed and thoughtfully laid out, the land includes essential amenities such as an office, ablution block, and a range of secure enclosures with shelters – ideal for animal housing, a pet motel, or other commercial applications,” the marketing blurb said.
“Accommodation is well catered for with a three-bedroom barn and a separate self-contained studio cottage, providing flexible living arrangements or staff quarters. A large barn provides ample storage for vehicles, machinery or a workshop.”
The property has an RV of $1.425 million. Bayleys listing agent Tracy Dalzell said subdivision consent had been granted for four lots, providing immediate potential for development or investment.
She declined to talk about the property with OneRoof.
– 124 Gray Road, in Te Kamo, Whangārei, is for sale, tender closing September 10