The closest thing Tauranga has to a zoo is preparing to close its doors due to tight economic conditions.
The Living Art Wildlife Park in Pyes Pa operated in Tauranga for 16 years but will close on May 28.
Owners Mark and Caroline Paterson say making the decision to shut down was difficult because they wanted to offer something special to the Tauranga community.

Mark and Caroline Paterson.

"We are very sad. It's one of those disappointing things in life."
The park features exotic animals such as Australian reptiles, South American Amazon river fish, miniature highland cattle, tortoises, tropical marine fish and an array of birds.
Mark says they explored options to keep the park operating.
"We did approach the council to buy the land and we would lease it from them, but their finances are pretty tight at the moment."
The 7ha property has already been sold for an undisclosed price.
Mark says the new owners of the property have told him they are not going to develop the land but it will not remain a wildlife park.
He hopes to reopen the park in late October at a different location.
Many of the animals will be taken with Mark and Caroline, but some will be found new homes.