well well the rumour mill works well here too ...hahaha.... I have just explained on facebook that if you have ANY questions regarding Pouakai Zoo....why dont you ring me??? I dont bite and am more than happy to help so you get the facts... I want to point out some things about Zooboys 'report/review' of our Zoo.... firstly what is the difference between a 'motely' goat and a normal goat? Please come back to the Zoo and take a sample of the substrate in the Meerkat enclosure...last time I checked it was 100% sand...Where the Tigers are currently living was designed for something else but when asked if we could have the Tigers we said yes and if you spent just 1 full day with these cats you would see it suits these three girls perfectly.... Did you come and introduce yourself? I dont recal? I am working my butt off to please everyone with an ever evolving park...we took votes regarding signage and 96% of customers come to the Zoo for entertainment with their children ... only 3% wanted full on educational signs...so for those folks we say 'talk to a Keeper' .... look I truely understand how passionate we all get regarding Zoos and the animals inside them...so please please feel free to call me. Cheers Fiona
I would like to second Fiona's suggestion. You will go a long, long way to find more open, approachable and genuinely caring zoo owners. If you want to know anything, ask them!
-Motley was just used to describe the herd as having a diverse mix of breeds, sizes, etc, and wasn't meaning any goat wasn't normal. -I obviously didn't look particularly closely at the meerkat enclosure substrate, I just remember thinking it looked a bit compacted for sand. -I never said the exhibit wasn't suitable for the tigers, and I must say the tigers seemed as happy as any tigers I have ever seen. But the enclosure is small and rather unvegetated as tiger enclosures go. What species was it designed for? Please note that, as I've said before, I have no zoo experience and my opinions are just my opinions. Everyone on this site is going to be in the 3% wanting more detailed signs, we are not standard visitors and can't expect our every whim to be catered for. As I said in the review, I think the zoo was good overall, and certainly heading in the right direction. Best wishes for the sale!
Thank you for your best wishes...you could buy the Zoo???? Zoo owners love it when Zoo enthusist's (think thats how you spell it?) visit the park because the conversation goes beyond 'why has that goat got a dirty bum?' to 'what origin is that animal and whats it like to care for?' .... but we do love our Zoos and get a wee bit peeved when folks start 'picking' on us hahaha I would never meet you then write a story about how shiny or blue you are........ please please come and introduce yourselves to us and you never know what we could start talking about....please dont hide away and then write about us after the fact...I could even give you pointers on what to write hehehe just kidding I think its great we have so many animal passionate people in NZ ... thats why our sheep look so happy aye?!?!
POUAKI ZOO FOR SALE Now YOU can buy a Zoo!!!! • Asking price: $780,000 Location: 1296 Carrington Road Hurworth New Plymouth Taranaki Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Property type: Dwelling Floor area: 240m2 Land area: 3.3 hectares Price: Asking price $780,000 Property ID#: CYR290 Parking: 2 car garaging It's not every day you get the opportunity to own your own Zoo, but now you can! Harcourts are very pleased to be marketing the unique Pouakai Zoo. This represents a very rare chance to purchase one of only a few privately held Zoo Park's in NZ. The park has undergone substantial upgrading and developing by the owners and is currently home to a large number of various species, including White Tigers and Lions. For sale as a going concern and with a handover period to get you up to speed there is still plenty of scope to take this business to the next level. Phone Karl today for your Appoinment to View. Agency reference #: ID2492 ====================================== Thousands eye New Plymouth zoo for sale Around this time of year many of us are looking for a lifestyle change – perhaps buying a new home. In New Plymouth, a very special property has come up for sale, and you won't believe the chattels. Have you ever dreamed of owning a zoo? For $780,000 you can. Pouakai Zoo in New Plymouth is for sale, and owner Tony Hartley says it's an offer no one can resist. “It's a fantastic place to be, really,” says Mr Hartley. “You’re your own boss, can't beat it on a beautiful day and to work with animals like this is pretty special.” Exotic animals roam the 3.3 hectares of land – white tigers, lions and monkeys are the main attractions. Real estate agent Karl Hitchcock says they up the value considerably. “It's roughly $170,000 off the top of my head,” says Mr Hitchcock. Mr Hartley has owned the zoo for eight years and will be sad to say goodbye. “The day we go will be pretty hard I'd say – leaving behind the animals that are here.” In movie We Bought a Zoo, based on a true story, Matt Damon's character struggled with the job, but bought the zoo on the idea that it takes “a lot of heart”. The zoo is advertised on Trade Me, and already has 15,000 views. But Auckland Zoo says if you're interested, be prepared – owning a zoo's a challenge. “Three main things are a lot experience and specialist expertise involved, enormous commitment and pretty deep pockets,” says Auckland zoo director Jonathan Wilcken.” While plenty of people may dream of owning a zoo, it's going to take a special buyer to make it a workable reality. 3 News Read more: Thousands eye New Plymouth zoo for sale - Story - Business - 3 News
Hi zooboy, I have been reading all of your posts, including the ones on the elephant. You are very informed. What is your background..my I ask. I hope you are involved with the animal industry. I also note that you are from Taranaki, yet have only visited your own "local" zoo 3 times and do not know the staff! Why is this. I think you would find that the operators at you "local" zoo would love your input. Why haven't you offered your assistance? Come on mate, spread your love of animals. Running a zoo is very hard and believe me the zoo would welcome you to lend a hand. It doesn't matter if you even ask to tidy up some of the areas that you can see need some TLC. That's what it's all about. I am not having go at you in fact it's the opposite. I just think that you can help! TLC please don't forget it!
Hi Bruce, thanks for your comment. I haven't actually lived in Taranaki for long, just 8 months, I'm not from the region at all. And won't be here much longer either. So thats why I have visited only three times. As for why I haven't volunteered to help, its not something I have ever seriously considered, as I have several other commitments and no vehicle access most of the time (which is why I have only been able to get to the zoo once in the last year). If it was feasible I would definitely be keen to volunteer there. I have never worked in the zoo- or animal-industry, my zoo-experience is limited to visiting and studying.
Fiona and Bart were interviewed at the zoo for current affair programme Seven Sharp tonight, regarding the sale of the zoo. Video clips on this link, not sure if will work overseas: Seven Sharp
