The whole thing feels like a sham to me. The place and the animals are owned by multimillionaires (Bullens) yet, its a charity? How does that work?
The animals and the property that the "charity" is based at IS owned by the Bullens. They control all management of the animals so why are they getting donations and where is the money from these donations going?? They gave lion cubs to the circus only a few months ago. There's a huge grey area here and it's dodgy as.
Hmmm... so "proof" is innuendo and rumour? I like my facts a little more solid than that, truth be told... *grin* I suppose I'll find out when I start volunteering there, won't I? T.
...and here was me trying to be a little diplomatic with my answer... lol! Loving how cassowary's profile says that s/he is in Melbourne, yet knows all sorts of things about a Sydney facility "because someone told him/her so"... I am still working on getting in there as a student volunteer for my Captive Animals TAFE course... and a number of people in my class already DO work there. I think I'd probably have a little more insight into the place than some git from Melbourne with a chip on their shoulder, yes? Need actual proof of allegations cassowary - or you're just blowing wind my friend... T.
Oh you'll find out all sorts of dodgy goings on at the place. My sister worked there and got sick of the lies, so yes, I know the truth about plenty of untruths there. Ask the circus where the Cubs came from? They didn't breed them. They're from Zambi/Bullens. A "charity" giving Cubs to the circus.... Sounds legit.
The cubs were born at Bullens... this I know because, yes, I did ask at the circus when I was interacting with said cubs. Bullens and Zambi's are actually 2 separate entities - occasionally there may be overlap due to them both being part of a very small industry in this country that deals with big cats and the like. Was your sister asked to leave there by any chance? It's amazing how many people who get asked to leave places like this can suddenly come up with all sorts of things to say to damage reputations. Sounds like sour grapes to me... Still, no actual proof forthcoming to legitimise your claims... T.
Overlap? Its illogical and absurd to ask people for hard earned dollars for animals that don't even belong to Zambi. They belong to the bullens who are wealthy- it's common knowledge. My sister moved, but loved it there at first. Before the dodgy events and stories made her question her integrity.
Yes - overlap. It happens a lot in closed industries... maybe you need to take off those rose coloured glasses and have a look at how the real world operates. The land may belong to Bullens, but the entity "Zambi's Wildlife Retreat" (the business and charity) belong to someone else. What your sister may like to remember is that the captive animal industry is a small industry - and badmouthing previous places of work isn't going to get her any brownie points if she wants to stay in the industry. ... and you may want to understand that you badmouthing on her behalf may bite her in the butt also. T.
Badmouthing? There's a difference between that and telling the truth about a place that is totally questionable. Zambi may be run by a charity but it is essentially all controlled by the bullens. They have full ownership, licensing and decisions over the animals. You don't work there so you actually have no idea.
No proof, no truth... *grin* If you can substantively prove that what they are doing is dodgy, then go ahead. Until then, what you are doing is simply spreading rumours...and yes, that is essentially badmouthing... ... and you don't work there either my friend. All you have is the chatter of an ex-employee - who, for all we know may have been asked to leave because of poor performance - or worse... T.
What proof do you want? And I'm grinning too because you'll find out for yourself just how dodgy things are there. Might want to share a coffee one day...
Proof? Need something more substantive than heresay or second hand gossip from an ex-employee... Can you prove that Zambi is owned and run by Bullens? There would be a paper trail if one was eager and resourceful enough to find out these things... charity stuff is open book by law, for instance... Find that proof and you may have a leg to stand on... and I'm not doing your homework for you... *grin* T.
I'm sorry Tracey, but I would have to agree with casowary in this instance. 'Zambi Wildlife Retreat' charity organization "name" is not owned by the Bullen family, however the land that the 'charity' is located on IS owned by the Bullen family, as are all of the lions, tigers, primates, elephant and the puma. The charity itself only owns the rescued farm animals, birds, reptiles and dingos (most of which were purchased), yet they appeal for donations for the other 'draw card' animals not owned by them. If we look at this closely, we can also see that it does not make much sense that the Bullen family would retire their old circus animals to a charity on their own property when they are multi millionaires who are well and truly able to afford to care for their own licensed animals. Zambi Wildlife Retreat is not licensed to own any exotic animals, this is why they are not open to the public yet. A lot of this information is common knowledge - did you happen to watch the segment on 7 news last night on the 'African Lion Safari'? They mentioned that ZWR is located on "the Bullens property, manged by Donna Wilson". Craig was being filmed with Zambi and Sukari - two young lionesses' bred by and owned by Bullens - they are not rescued or retired zoo animals, yet were available to have encounters with through Zambi Wildlife Retreat to raise money for the charity. These animals and also others who are legally owned by Bullens not ZWR are also available to "adopt/sponsor" on their website which brings me back to the question, why is there a charity taking money to care for animals owned by multimillionaires? It's a question that I would be very intrigued to hear a valid answer for. If the charity has full disclosure then a quick phone call to Donna Wilson (Director) at ZWR would be proof to you about the situation if you'd like verification as to who owns which animals on the property.
I am definitely not in Melbourne Victoria and definitely not the same person, I don't even know who cassowary is, so there is no way that the IP address and host name would be the same unless I've been hacked?
Ahhh... so the "proof" comes from the TV segment last night... fine... I'm sure it was completely full of fact and well researched like all TV fluff pieces are nowadays. Funny how they are all coming out of the woodwork today and first posts are calling Zambi's into disrepute...same IP and hostname... says a bit, doesn't it? I don't need to call Donna to ask her to clarify her position at Zambi's... what cheek! Do you people know how the licensing system works here in Australia for different types of animals? The difference between an exhibitor's license, or a license to own an exotic animal? Which government departments are responsible for issuing said different licenses? Maybe you need to brush up on those before casting aspersions on who owns what and who is paying the bills... And where does it say that any charity entity has to own the land they operate from? I know of many charities that rent land/premises. It is also not illegal for common interests to share resources for charity fundraising. If the Bullen's are happy to lend their tame cubs out for that purpose, who are you to judge whether that is "right" or "wrong"? If you don't like it, then don't donate... simple! T.
