| UPPER HUTT: Visitors to the Upper Hutt Wildlife Park and Petting Zoo have noticed that the lions seem to have gained a few pounds since the wildlife park was forced to close the petting zoo last month. Regular visitors have noticed that the pride look slightly larger than usual and are moving around their enclosure with renewed vigour and purpose.
“Leo is looking a bit bigger than usual for this time of year and Sheba has definitely gained a couple of kilograms since I was last here in May,” regular visitor Deborah French told reporters. The owners of the newly renamed Upper Hutt Wildlife Park attributed the weight gains to improvements in the lions' diet and a recently introduced exercise regime. They also apologised to regular visitors for the closure of the petting zoo, but pointed out that the cost of maintaining the attraction had increased while visitor numbers had been declining in recent years. Regular visitors to the park were disappointed that the petting zoo had to close. “One of the highlights of coming to the park was patting little Thumper the rabbit and Billy the tame goat,” said baker and mother of three Kate Humber. “The kids really liked to ride Eyore the donkey as well. I guess they are enjoying their retirement now. They really earned it after so many years putting up with god knows what from the kids.” The Lions at the Upper Hutt Wildlife Park can be viewed between 10am and 6pm, 6 days a week.  Lionel the Llama, Bambi and Babe pose for photos on the petting zoos last day and below Leo the Lion later that evening at feeding time. |
| Wildlife park lions mysteriously gain weight after petting zoo closure |
Friday, 01 August 2003 12:00
