The price of admission to see and feed lions in the middle of the Nottinghamshire countryside has been branded "ridiculous" with tickets costing up to £250. Reece Oliver, who keeps a number of wild animals in his Strelley enclosure, opened his doors for private bookings for the very first time.
Despite the enclosure proving controversial, the professional showjumper managed to extend its fences, and it now rivals some of the UK's largest lion dens. Permission for the enclosure was granted in June 2019 and, after intense discussions at a Broxtowe Borough Council planning meeting in March last year, permission was finally given by seven votes to six.
The den sits parallel to the M1 in Main Road, Strelley, and now spans more than 1,000 square metres after Mr Oliver spent £30,000 extending it. Following the birth of two female cubs called Ruby and Rosie he has also opened its doors to the public.
