Admission prices for a lion enclosure exhibit have been branded "ridiculous" after a family of four were quoted up to £250.
Reece Oliver, who is an animal keeper, opened his Strelley lion enclosure in Nottinghamshire for private bookings for the very first time on Monday, August 29.
After spending £30,000 on extending the den, Reece's enclosure now spans more than 1,000 square meters, NottinghamshireLive reported.
Following the birth of two female cubs called Ruby and Rosie, Reece has since opened its doors to the public.
In August, he revealed he would be charging £50 to £80 depending on the experience - with proceeds going to yet-to-be confirmed conservation work.
However, the price is in contrast to the West Midland Safari Park, where tickets cost £25, and Twycross Zoo which charges just £15 for admission in August for any child or adult.
Tina Daniel, from Strelley, had been planning on taking her children to Reece's enclosure.
But when she made an enquiry on Facebook and was told of the price she decided against it.
Tina said: "For a family of four it was £250 - for much less you can go to West Midlands Safari Park and see the animals and go on the rides."
Reece also owns Rocky, a lion, and Rora, a lioness, who were rescued from captivity in Eastern Europe, and a Canadian Puma called Rogue.
A friendly South American tapir called Mr T, rescued from Germany after being rejected by his family, also roams his family farm alongside dozens of squirrel monkeys.
When asked about how she feels about the wild animals being kept in the Nottinghamshire countryside, Tina added: "It is absolute madness.
"I think it is wicked [cool]. We walk up here all the time as it is a nice walk.
"If you live next to it, it might be a bit [worrying]. I'd imagine living there you can hear the lions roar.
"Whenever we walk up there are always people here. There is a mound of mud where you can look over the fence."
Josephine Esprit, who also lives in Strelley, added: "That price is discouraging. I think it is ridiculous."
Those walking beside the enclosure also criticised the price of admission.
A man, who asked to remain anonymous, says his one-year-old dog Echo refuses to walk past the enclosure, seemingly aware of what lies beyond the fenced-off perimeter.
He says: "I do not agree with the charging of it all. I know he has offered an experience but is he capable of doing it properly? And is it going to be worth 250 quid?"
And another woman, who did not want to be named, added: "I think it's up to everyone themselves personally, although I do not agree with it.
"But I did watch it on the TV programme and they would not survive in the wild."
The Mirror approached the Strelley Wildlife Conservation Facility and Reece for comment.
