Strelley lion keeper Reece Oliver says he will be opening his enclosure to the public in August this year. Those who manage to secure a visit to the 1,000 square metre enclosure will also be able to feed the lions and their cubs on the day.
Nottinghamshire Live was given an exclusive look inside the newly extended enclosure earlier this year, after it was controversially approved during a Broxtowe Borough Council planning meeting in September last year. Months later Mr Oliver revealed two cubs had been born, and he is now accepting bookings to visit the enclosure.
While his enclosure has been the subject of a petition calling for the ban on keeping wild animals, Mr Oliver says it now rivals some of Britain's largest zoo enclosures. Rocky, a lion, and Rora, a lioness, were rescued from captivity in Eastern Europe and this year welcomed cubs Ruby and Rosie into the world.
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Mr Oliver says people may book for a visit through his Facebook or Instagram pages called 'Strelley Wildlife Conservation Facility'. He will be charging between £50 and £80 depending on the experience, with visits taking place on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29).
"You will get to hand-feed the lions and the cubs and have talks about the other animals from one of our keepers," he says. "There are limited numbers, it is the last one we are doing this year.
"There are deals for families as well. You will get a guided tour and can feed them through the cages with some tongs." By contrast when compared to similar visitor attractions, standard adult tickets to the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park come to £25 with £15 admission for any child or adult to Twycross Zoo in August.
Mr Oliver also looks after a friendly South American tapir called Mr T, rescued from Germany after being rejected by his family, as well as Rogue, a Canadian puma. The enclosure sits parallel to the M1 in Main Road, Strelley Village, and spans more than 1,000 square metres, above what is legally required by UK Government legislation which demands at least 37 square metres.
He says he will not be profiting from the experience day, saying: "We are raising money for conservation charities and helping put money towards research projects." However when asked he added he has not yet selected a charity to donate to. His Facebook page already has more than 1,800 likes, with numerous comments from people requesting to book for a visit.
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