Big cats to star in movie art

We've heard of tigers coming to tea but how about lions going to the flicks?

This Sunday in a small Taranaki town, that's exactly what's going to happen.

Abdullah and Tshaka, two lions from Zion Wildlife Garden near Whangarei are travelling to Opunake today to take part in a very special art project.

Govett Brewster resident artist Javier Tellez will be letting the lions loose at Everybody's Theatre between 11am and 2pm to watch a film and he's inviting the public along too.

Venezuelan-born Mr Tellez is very quiet about exactly what the lions will be doing but some good sources have told the Taranaki Daily News there will be roaring. Part of a nationwide project called One Day Sculpture, the idea came from the artist's love of movies and movie theatres and his appreciation of wild animals.

Lions and movies have been associated since the MGM studio was founded in 1924, and used a roaring lion to start every production. Mr Tellez said there were also other similarities.

"The lion of course is a species in danger. The cinema is in danger too,' he said.

Travelling with the lions will be their "grandad" and handler Dalu Mncube.

Mr Mncube said the public had nothing to worry about as the lions were well-trained and used to crowds.

He has worked with the brother and sister since they were cubs, raising them by hand. The key he said, was never getting nervous.

"When they look at you their eyes look right through you."

Mr Mncube will be staying with the lions the entire three days they are here to make sure no "excited locals" decide to jump in the enclosure.

"Lions can tell when heart rates quicken," he said.

Sunday's presentation will also feature an appearance by 82-year-old Gwelfa Burgess, from Stratford, the oldest working usherette in New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News