The price of admission to see and feed lions in the middle of the Nottinghamshire countryside has been branded "ridiculous" with tickets costing up to £250. Reece Oliver, who keeps a number of wild animals in his Strelley enclosure, opened his doors for private bookings for the very first time.
Despite the enclosure proving controversial, the professional showjumper managed to extend its fences, and it now rivals some of the UK's largest lion dens. Permission for the enclosure was granted in June 2019 and, after intense discussions at a Broxtowe Borough Council planning meeting in March last year, permission was finally given by seven votes to six.
The den sits parallel to the M1 in Main Road, Strelley, and now spans more than 1,000 square metres after Mr Oliver spent £30,000 extending it. Following the birth of two female cubs called Ruby and Rosie he has also opened its doors to the public.
He revealed the news earlier in August and said he would be charging £50 to £80 depending on the experience, with proceeds going to yet-to-be confirmed conservation work. Comparatively West Midland Safari Park tickets come to £25, Twycross Zoo charges £15 for admission in August for any child or adult.
Tina Daniel, from Strelley, had been planning on taking her children to Mr Oliver's enclosure. She made an enquiry on Facebook, and decided against it when she was informed of the price.
"For a family of four it was £250," she says. "For much less you can go to West Midlands Safari Park and see the animals and go on the rides."
Not only does Mr Oliver own Rocky, a lion, and Rora, a lioness, who were rescued from captivity in Eastern Europe, he also owns 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."
Mr Oliver opened the enclosure for private visits on Monday, August 29. 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 everyone to 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."
Mr Oliver was contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
Read next:
-
Designer Kurt Geiger store set to close on Nottingham's 'most expensive shopping street'
Paperchase announces opening date of new shop in busy Nottingham street
Bar and apartments to be built as part of Lace Market 'regeneration' project
Hidden Nottingham nightclub has incredible rooftop bar with beautiful views of city
Click here for all the latest Nottingham news and views from Nottinghamshire Live
