Townsville Bulletin

LIONS PUSSIES DURING MOVE

- CYDONEE MARDON

IT was always going to be hairy with the potential for disaster, the transfer of six lions to their new home on the NSW Central Coast.

The sheer size of the beasts, the location of their new enclosure, the semi-trailer that had not been moved for months – and the unpredicta­bility of those animals.

But the three brothers and three sisters boarded the truck with relative ease.

After a minor issue with the vehicle’s mechanics, the six were on their way to Central Coast Zoo.

The move marked the end of months of uncertaint­y and the start of retirement.

“Everything went well and it’s a real privilege to have them here,” zoo team leader of exotic animals Caroline Shemwell said.

“They settled in really well. They’re used to being taken to different places with the circus previously, so they handled it very well.”

Ms Shemwell said her team had “planned for the worst and hoped for the best”.

Zoo owner Jenny James said the disembarki­ng, amazingly, was calm.

“They were happy, then they played, they walked into the dens, jumped up on to the platforms. We were very lucky,” Ms James said.

Their trainer, Matt Ezekiel, was on hand and will work at the zoo to help with settling in.

“From what we saw today I don’t think there’s going to be any problems,” Ms James said.

She said she was thrilled to be able to offer a home so the pride could stay together.

The lions had previously been centre stage at the Stardust Circus, which had to retire the siblings and four monkeys in April after being unable to renew insurance.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has approved the structures at the Wyong Creek zoo.

 ?? ?? Lion trainer Matt Smith has a final play with the lions before they are transporte­d. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Lion trainer Matt Smith has a final play with the lions before they are transporte­d. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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