Dartmoor Zoo Lion Man Craig Busch at Dartmoor!

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From DZP Blog:

Craig Busch Visit

Some months ago DZP was approached by representatives of Craig Busch, formerly of Zion Wildlife Gardens in NZ, asking if he could visit us, along with several other UK zoos, as part of a fundraising tour to meet his extensive UK fan base. After careful consideration, we agreed.

We were aware that Mr. Busch is a controversial character, and the huge popularity of his Lion Man series has meant that the debate around him has been fuelled by the oxygen of intense publicity, which is rarely useful in establishing the actual facts.


Our own careful research revealed that no serious allegations made against him had yet been substantiated, and on the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we stood by our original decision.

However, we have since been advised by BIAZA, which is effectively our governing body, not to play a part Mr Busch’s tour, and so we have withdrawn our support.
 
I find the last sentence very interesting.... Any ideas why?? or will that open the floodgates to invasion again lol
 
ZooLeopard said:
From DZP Blog:

Craig Busch Visit

Some months ago DZP was approached by representatives of Craig Busch, formerly of Zion Wildlife Gardens in NZ, asking if he could visit us, along with several other UK zoos, as part of a fundraising tour to meet his extensive UK fan base. After careful consideration, we agreed.

We were aware that Mr. Busch is a controversial character, and the huge popularity of his Lion Man series has meant that the debate around him has been fuelled by the oxygen of intense publicity, which is rarely useful in establishing the actual facts.


Our own careful research revealed that no serious allegations made against him had yet been substantiated, and on the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we stood by our original decision.

However, we have since been advised by BIAZA, which is effectively our governing body, not to play a part Mr Busch’s tour, and so we have withdrawn our support.
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Hooray, well done Dartmoor!
 
ZooLeopard said:
yes, finally i think they got zoochats many hints lol!
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I think it was the one big hint from BIAZA that did it!


Much as I believe in 'innocent until proven guilty', there are cases where the potential for controversy is just too high. I think this is the right decision by both Dartmoor and BIAZA.
 
I am glad they have decided not to have him there does that mean that BIAZA will advise all member zoos to not have him!! Where would that leave a tour!!

Pleased as I am! I am not a little concerned that Dartmoor Zoo will struggle this winter (as stated in DZP reasons for supporting the visit). Maybe if you are reading this you could set up a donation link (paypal etc) that anyone who wants to support you but can't visit (including big cat fans of the Busch kind), I know there is a link to buy a light on your site!
 
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karenZOO said:
I am glad they have decided not to have him there does that mean that BIAZA will advise all member zoos to not have him!! Where would that leave a tour!!
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I doubt many BIAZA zoos would even consider it, but yes this will be a stance on all BIAZA members.
 
Brilliant news Taun !! I am sure there is a few village halls across the country that can accomodate the tour instead !!
 
Update on Mr Busch travel....

There will be invitation only meets with Craig in Edinburgh on 1st November
and Dundee on 2nd November

This has been posted on CB wall on Facebook with a email to contact. I guess no zoos or parks are having him visit now?????
 
insanityprof said:
I guess no zoos or parks are having him visit now?????
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If BIAZA has taken the stance that it's members shouldn't participate, then I'm sure none of them will.

I'd also think that in those circumstances, even non-BIAZA members would be unlikely to take part for political reasons.
 
I didn't realise BIAZA was a zoo till I read it on a certain persons fan page on facebook :eek: :rolleyes: :p apparently he wasn't planning on visiting there anyway :D
 
karenZOO said:
I didn't realise BIAZA was a zoo till I read it on a certain persons fan page on facebook :eek: :rolleyes: :p apparently he wasn't planning on visiting there anyway :D
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BIAZA isn't a zoo - it's the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly known as the Federation of Zoos): BIAZA Public Access
 
karenZOO said:
ummmm I know that lol I was trying to be funny :p :confused: :rolleyes: just saying what I have read elsewhere
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Ooops - sorry - was worried you were being misinformed! :D
 
Friday 30th October - East Midlands (near Mansfield)

Sunday 1st November - Edinburgh

Tuesday 3rd November - Belfast (Ballymena)

Saturday 7th November - Central London

Sunday 8th November - Surrey (near Horsham)

UK tour dates venues by email application via Nz lionman official facebook page only
 
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