Tiger World opens new exhibit for white lion Saturday

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 7, 2015

ROCKWELL — Tiger World will have a grand opening Saturday morning to unveil an exhibit for Michael, the park’s rare Timbavati white lion.

The new exhibit, Timbavati Falls, will open at 11 a.m. Saturday. It includes a giant waterfall, stone patio with interactive glass feature and the best seat in the house inside a custom Land Rover.

“We’ve integrated aspects to the exhibit to give it an African safari feel,” Tiger World Vice President Lea Jaunakais said in a press release. “For even greater immersion, landscape features are incorporated on both sides of the glass enriching humans and animals.”

Timbavati Falls was made possible through donations from Jim Kavanagh; Sunbelt Rentals Concord; Land Rover Charlotte; Old Carolina Stone; Techo-Bloc; John Deere Landscapes; Artistic Design Landscapes, including Paul Farringer, Mike Yurko and James Jaunakais; Deal’s Glass, KD Fabrication, Safari Thatch, Home Depot and the Tiger World team.

“Because Tiger World is not tax-funded,” Jaunakais said, “guests can feel good knowing their admission is making this unique exhibit and the conservation of threatened and endangered species possible.

“The future of the white lion depends on preservation and education,” added Jaunakais.