Yesterday, Mr Dalu Mncube was fatally attacked by one of the big cats he worked with at Zion Wildlife Gardens, just out of Whangarei in Northland.
It is alleged that Abu, a Royal White Tiger, was the animal who killed Dalu. Abu was put to sleep following the incident.
It is a sad day for all concerned, and our hearts go out to Dalu's family - his partner Sharon Arnott and their one year old daughter Starskea, as well as the rest of his family back in South Africa. He was only 26 years old.
Dalu set an excellent example of the commitment and professionalism that comes as part of the job when you work with animals - no matter what type of animals they are. Dalu had a special gift with the cats he worked with, and his enthusiasm and passion were obvious to all who met him during the course of his work or watched him on the television series, 'The Lion Man'.
It is a reality that when you choose to work with animals, you prepare yourself to take the risks that this kind of work entails. I admire and commend those keepers who work with large and potentially dangerous animals on a daily basis - they really know what they are doing and have years of training and experience to back themselves up. They are a credit to the species that they care for.
Dalu was no exception to this - in fact, if anything, he was the ultimate rule.
Dalu, you have helped show millions of people just how precious these endangered cats are. You have given us a rare insight into the caring and handling of these cats, and your respect and awareness of them is truly inspirational. You will be sorely missed by those close to you as well as those of us who watched you from afar. Your memory will live on in all the cats at the park as well as in the work that keepers do with big cats every day.
Thank you, Dalu.
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