The Kingdom of Zion, which was once known as the Zion Wildlife Gardens, is a private zoo located in Whangarei, New Zealand. Established in 2002, the zoo spans an immense area of about eighty acres and is home to a number of big cats – mainly lions and tigers. In total, there are over thirty big cats here. Among the zoo’s most prized animals are the white tigers, white lions and black leopards. There are also regular lions and Bengal tigers as well as African cheetahs.
A trip to this zoo is the perfect activity for families on vacation. Nature lovers and those fascinated by the large majestic felines that occupy the top of the food chain will also enjoy visiting the Kingdom of Zion. Visitors can choose from one of several tours. Guided tours are conducted about twice every day and last roughly around eighty minutes, and an extra tour is conducted on Mondays and Fridays. During Feed Tours, visitors follow the zoo keepers as they go around feeding the zoo’s feline inhabitants. There is an Enrichment Tour conducted on Wednesdays and Sundays. This ninety-minute tour helps visitors get familiar with the moods and behaviours of the giant felines. The Cheetah Encounter promises an extremely intimate meeting with the zoo’s cheetahs, while the Behind-the-Scenes Tour not only gives one an understanding of how the zoo works, but also allows one to take on the role of zoo keeper.
New Zealand is one of the most picturesque countries in the world, as it conjures enchanting images of misty mountains, lush forests and cool rivers, making it a veritable Eden on earth. It remains one of the most popular destinations for ecotourism and is also a hub for extreme sports. The country has an excellent network of roads and plenty of buses connecting various cities, although some may find it more convenient to rent a car.
Finding accommodation in the area is easy as there are many Whangarei Hotels to choose from. When it comes to lodgings, one of the best options is provided by the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ which runs a chain of excellent New Zealand Hotels. Each hotel occupies a suitable location and comes complete with all the latest modern amenities, making it an ideal accommodation choice.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+
