The Lion Man

"The Lion Man" is a New Zealand television documentary series about a New Zealand big cat sanctuary called Zion Wildlife Gardens. The series is named after the "Lion Man", Craig Busch, the park's owner, and follows him and his staff as they manage the park and its collection of approximately 30 lions and tigers of various species, and other animals. As well as first hand comment from Busch and his staff, the series is narrated throughout by actor Miles Anderson. In addition to the activities inside the park, the series shows Busch during related promotional activities and also his various wildlife missions abroad [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490729/ The Lion Man IMDB page] ] , including trips to Africa and Thailand. "The Lion Man" is one of New Zealand's most successful television series, showing in 93 countries world wide [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=339&objectid=10472416 New Zealand Herald] Lion man returns despite conviction, 27 Oct 2007] .

Three series have been produced. The third of which began screening in New Zealand on June 29, 2008. The first two series were commissioned by state broadcaster TVNZ, but a third series looked in doubt following Busch's conviction for assault. Independent funding was found to produce the third series and TVNZ decided to broadcast it after determining that there was still popular demand for the show. The show is produced by Great Southern Television.

The show highlights the conservation activities of the park, including the birth of several cubs of endangered species, and the filming of the lions for television adverts and other promotions. As well as its visitor income and these promotions, the series itself acts as a source of vital funding for the park's breeding programme. It has a BAFTA award winningFact|date=April 2008 theme tune "He's a lion man", and a 9.8 out of 10 rating on IMDB. Here are the words for the lion man theme song.

From the depths of southern Africa The big cats they have come

deliverd from extinction

to a new life in the sun

one man on a mission

and his hopes and dreams at hand

He gatherd up the mighty beasts

and brought them to our land

He's a lion man doing all he can

to create a sanctuary and a home

External links

* [http://www.greatsouthern.tv/lionman.cfm The Lion Man page at the Great Southern Television website]
* [http://www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz/ Zion Wildlife Gardens website]
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References