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Lionman accused of unlawfully retaining property after sacking

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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 1:16p.m.

Craig Busch "the Lion Man" (file pic)

Craig Busch "the Lion Man" (file pic)

Northland's "Lion Man" Craig Busch unlawfully retained items of property when he was sacked from Whangarei's Zion Wildlife Gardens, an Employment Relations Authority meeting was told today.

Mr Busch, 44, has dropped claims against Zion for reinstatement to his job and unjustified dismissal after claiming he was unfairly sacked by his mother, Patricia Busch.

But the park is seeking the return of company property and claiming for loss of income and legal costs due to Mr Busch's action.

Today's hearing was told that various items of property were unlawfully retained by Mr Busch, following termination of his employment.

They included a Ford transit van, a Nissan patrol vehicle, two trailers, various guns, a digger, power saw, power hacksaw, welder and a sander.

The hearing is continuing

NZPA

 

 

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Comments

31 Mar 2011 12:36a.m.

cassie allison wrote:

Im sad Dalu has died, but he died doing what he loved.R.I.P Dalu.xx As for Craigs mother, she is quite clearly a silly woman, he made Zion park what it is today, those animals answer to him. If he mistreated them so badly then why was there so many episodes made?? These animals will attack and people are aware of this, i think to many people nowadays are more interested in money instead of the welfare of these animals. it is to be expected of these animals to feel uncomfortable or intimidated by people, jeez its jus like any animal!! Dogs, cats, birds all attack to, we know this. Why should these animals be expected to react differently?? Wake up people its nature!!im sure the camera crew etc would have picked up on this and complained!! He is a legend, and i have so much respect for him. As for talk of the animals being put down if they are to close the park is disrespectful and disgusting, there is so much fuss in the world to try and keep up the population of animals so they dont go extinct and they want to murder these animals!! Its horrible, disgusting and murderous. It makes me sick to the stomache to think anybody could do this. His mother needs to get a grip and realise she is nothing without her son!! Craig i hope these people come to their senses and they get you back where you belong amongst those animals, you are an inspiration to us all and i loved watching the programme. i wish you all the best!! xx Cassie Allison, Inverness, Scotland.xx

04 Jan 2011 07:01a.m.

Mike West wrote:

The Park is doomed to fail without Craig.The Lions are imprinted to Craig they will only respond to him. I lived in Kenya for 15yrs and worked with Lions and Primates. The Park need him back A.S.A.P Especialy the big cats.Why don`t these people settle their differences just for the sake of the animals

20 Aug 2010 05:12a.m.

peter weavers wrote:

from what i can see,Craig Busch is an honest,hard working,caring straight talking and very brave man.He IS ZION PARK.i am very sad to hear of Dalu Mncube's death,he also seemed a decent chap and he also knew the risks,his family sad he died doing what he loved.
Craig Busch,try and keep your chin up,i wish you all the best,a good long healthy life,and we all know,that with your talent and expertise a brilliant career.
bye now
pete,kidderminster England

17 Dec 2009 11:40a.m.

Louise wrote:

I agreed with Kay. People who take on this kind of work know the risks involved and are more than prepared for things like this to happen. It's never nice but it's just a fact that it can happen! Zion wildlife park to me is nothing without Craig Busch and it's sad to see that he is not fighting to get his position back in the park. I love watching the Lion Man and wanted to go to New Zealand to visit it someday, but now I don't want to go knowing that it is in the hands of amatures!

03 Nov 2009 10:30a.m.

mark crossley wrote:

craigs mother qiute clearly has lost the plot. i just hope she isnt alowing herself to be led by profiteers. swo sorry for dalu.

01 Oct 2009 08:53a.m.

Kay wrote:

Craig Busch is Zion park. Without him it is nothing. I am very sorry about Dalu but people who work with dangerous animals know the risks. He loved those animals and wouldn't want the park to be without Craig.