Mane attraction roars
Simba in his enclosure at ZooDoo
DAMIEN BROWN
December 20, 2008 12:00am
TWO majestic additions to a Tasmanian zoo were introduced to the public yesterday.
Male African lions Leo and Simba have moved into their specially built home at ZooDoo, near Richmond, alongside the tiger enclosure which opened almost a year ago.
ZooDoo Wildlife Park managing director Trevor Cuttriss is ready for critics opposed to bringing exotic animals to Tasmania.
He said it was only a small minority against the move and that without the animals thousands of children would never get to see such exotic species.
"I actually agree with the activists because animal cruelty should not be tolerated but you have to see these guys are very well looked after," Mr Cuttriss said.
"Without zoos there is a possibility we will lose these beautiful animals because they must be protected."
ZooDoo's lions arrived last week from Queensland. They were hand-reared and have always lived in captivity.
The last time there were lions in the state they were believed to have met a tragic fate at the hands of the wife of the Governor of the day.
Tired of hearing them roar early in the mornings at the nearby Beaumaris Zoo, she gave orders for them to be shot.
Like a proud father, Mr Cuttriss stood beside the enclosure yesterday looking at the pair casually strut around their yard.
They will be on display for about six months, but being in the limelight is nothing new for Simba. He starred in advertisements for the 1997 film George of the Jungle.
Specialist staff have been hired to ensure the animals are looked after, and there may be more to come.
"The next thing we will have is zebras but I am not saying what else is coming," Mr Cuttriss said. "But there is no doubt we will be expanding into even more exotic animals."
He would also not elaborate on whether the zoo intended to use its female tigers for breeding.
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