Walk a tiger in Whangarei

The wildlife gardens are nestled in a tranquil valley in Kamo, just north of Whangarei. It was established by televisions ‘Lion Man’ as a refuge for endangered big cats.

Meet Zion, well known for his rugby skills when the ‘Lions’ toured here last year and his co-star Aslan. Zion is also known for his participation in the creation of ‘Aslan’ from the film ‘Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. You will also meet Gandor, New Zealand’s first white lion. Gandor has settled in well at the park and is very happy with his new home. Included in the parks extended family are three adorable lion cubs that are only twenty weeks old. Gandor and Shikira are the proud parents and are often heard boasting about their offspring. We also have Khan, a Royal White tiger cub that is only sixteen weeks old. Rewa says she may have only had one but he is a very special boy. He has an adopted big brother by the name of Tshaka (one of the lion cubs) and they often go out for walks together with their adopted human father.

There are only 100 white tigers left in the world – and at the wildlife gardens you can be within centimetres of these breathtaking creatures. Early morning Tiger Walks are now available to the public. Join a Senior Handlers to walk a tiger and meet the other park animals. By visiting the park you are helping to protect these near extinct big cats and you will ensure their survival for generations to come. In the wild these animals are so important to the balance of the planet.