Migrants fierce, but have taste for N.Z.

Press, 15 September 1976, Page 10

Migrants fierce, but have taste for N.Z.

By

John McNeill.

With all the criticism one hears of this country from immigrants, it is encouraging to find a group that settles in easily and likes the place. A happy group arrived last Thursday from Africa, Asia, and Australia. Even the week-end weather has not dampened the spirits of the animals at Orana Wildlife Park, and the park’s administration officer (Mr Adrian Johnstone) is enthusiastic.

Even the lionesses, which were exceedingly bitchy on arrival, have settled down to the park routine under the watchful eye of Mr Leo Saint Leon, rhe manager of the lion park where they came from. Mr Leon will stay with other park officials for about three more weeks, training the staff in animal handling routines, checking security and feeding arrangements, and observing his former charges in their new surroundings. The lions and their females have been separated, but for one female which is probably already mated. She is with three males and is a member of their pride, so is unlikely to come to any harm The other eight, females are in another den, and the six cubs, which began playing

almost as soon as they were released from the cage in which they were transported, are still revelling, despite the cold weather.

The staff at the park had to make few changes to the fence or barriers, said Mr Johnstone, but on Mr Leon’s advice had strengthened the surrounds of some windows.

The animals are being let out once a day, but are well secure and not visible from the road. The park has been secure from the public as staff work to complete the drive through before the ingThe 6ft fence is in place, as is the 15ft perimeter fence.

The park’s security area was based on the finest of overseas designs, though the animals were unlikely to want to leave the ten acres they have to themselves, said Mr Johnstone. But it would be unfair to paint too-rosy a picture of the park at present; there are some problems. How does one sex a tiger? Staff members know one of the very shy tigers they have is a niale, and are hoping the other is not, but have not thought of a way of finding out without giving offence.

The camels have made the park their home. The thousands of pine trees that volunteers planted

are their staple diet. Alongside them, the water buffalo graze contentedly, also on pine trees. The park staff are expecting a happy event, but what is the gestation period of a water buffalo?

Up to 2000 people might have made the journy to McLeans Island during the week-end to see the animals. They would have been lucky to see anything. But with the tremendous amount of work being done at present, they should not have much longer to wait. They are certain to be welcomed voraciously.