Woman Opening Tiger Park in North Carolina

June 30, 2008 — -- A South Carolina woman is opening a tiger park in North Carolina, more than a year after officials in the Palmetto State rejected the idea.

Lea Jaunakais of Rock Hill is set to open her small zoo near Rockwell, N.C., on Tuesday. The 21-acre park is about 45 miles northeast of Charlotte, in Rowan County. It features lions, tigers and primates.

The Herald of Rock Hill reported Jaunakais intended to open Tiger World in Chester County. But officials there turned her down in March 2007 because of fears of a tiger attack. Chester County Council has banned ownership of exotic animals.

The 32-year-old Jaunakais bought the former Metrolina Wildlife Park in Rockwell earlier this year.