Lion Man's sister arrested at Zion park

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Tue, 31 Jan 2012 5:43p.m.

MAF inspectors are onsite this evening inspecting the 36 big cats

MAF inspectors are onsite this evening inspecting the 36 big cats

By Michael Morrah

Craig Busch has regained an operational role at the big cat park he founded in Whangarei.

The former star of the TV series Lion Man has been involved in a lengthy battle with his mother over the park’s ownership.

This afternoon the park’s receivers, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, confirmed the park – with its 36 big cats - had been sold.

So Patricia Busch and her staff have been kicked out and Craig Busch and the new owners, Zion Wildlife Kingdom Limited, are back in.

Earlier today Craig Busch’s sister Megan was arrested for trespassing at the park. She remains in custody after “supporting mum”.

The park went into liquidation last year after ongoing financial issues.

But in a statement this afternoon, PWC said:

“The receivers understand the purchaser has engaged Craig Busch to assist with the operation of the park. Receivers were on site this morning to advise those at the park of the sale.

“Staff have been given notice and stood down from work on full pay. The purchaser will staff the park going forward.”

Busch has recently been in Africa filming a new TV series, but returned to New Zealand and is now understood to be back at the park with the animals.

Although the park had financial issues under Patricia Busch’s management, Craig’s time there hasn’t been without controversy.

In 2007 he was convicted of assaulting his former partner.

A year later he faced allegations of failing to keep proper records and poor cash handling procedures.

MAF inspectors are onsite this evening inspecting the big cats.

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Comments

03 Mar 2012 02:39a.m.

Janine Stiddard wrote:

My husband and i are so glad that Craig is back at Zion with the cats that he loves so much.We really enjoyed watching the series and we have the dvd box sets and we become addicted to watching them great news the cats have their dad back.

05 Feb 2012 12:18a.m.

Jules wrote:

'Unknown' By saying that you know contractors that still have not been paid, surely you are also saying that the management of the park was not 'up to scratch' - which as I understand it was actually Mrs Busch, as she had full control? Maybe she should have paid the bills? Why is everything negative Mr Busch's fault? TBH I don't think you actually know much of the story yourself, but only what has been 'drip fed' to you? Well done ZWK for bringing Craig back - may you have a roaring success!

04 Feb 2012 02:19p.m.

unknown wrote:

its amazing how people can judge others without having a clue to the real story. but what they see on t.v or what is edited and drip fed to them i.e the lion man series,you have to wonder why the park failed in the 1st place before craigs mum came along,i know of contractors who never got paid(and still aint)i hope that if i issue a tresspass notice to someone then the police would take the same role as they have in this case.if only people knew the truth rather than picking a side that they know nothing about

01 Feb 2012 06:32p.m.

Dionne wrote:

I can sympathise if the new owners wanted to get Patricia Busch and Craig's sister Megan out of the park immediately. Under Patricia's incompetent management of the park, Dalu Mncube died. That was a tragedy that should never have happened, yet Patricia had the gall to plead not guilty in causing Dalu's death! Several of the beautiful lions and tigers were also killed due to Patricia Busch's lack of experience and sheer negligence. The only one who understands and can care for those animals is Craig Busch. He has been put through hell by his own family and the New Zealand media, but at least John Campbell has showed some genuine support for Zion Wildlife Park! Finally some real justice prevails in this protracted, awful case. His animals will be pleased to have him back!

01 Feb 2012 06:57a.m.

Joy wrote:

Fantastic news!Best news we have heard in a long long time. The Lion man belongs with his lions. So good things do happen in this world of ours.