FOR sale: 24 lions, four tigers, three bears, two cheetahs, seven hippos, one rhinoceros, seven monkeys, two pythons, two otters, various deer, four ostriches and 20 other birds, reptiles and animals.

The Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve is on the market, with expressions of interest being called for the zoo, near Kuranda.

No price tag has been put on the freehold property and business but its estimated value is more than $3 million.

Owner Jenny Jattke said she was selling to spend more time with her children and elderly parents.

Operating and owning the 53ha property, about 40km west of Cairns, for the past five years had been one of the most exciting times of her life, she said.

“But it’s time for me to spend more time with my family, my four children (aged 13-20) and my elderly parents,” Ms Jattke said.

“I’ve been working (at the zoo) seven days a week. I’ve haven’t spent one day with my children during the school holidays.

I want to spend more time with them before they grow up.

“It’s been the time of my life, it’s been great.

“Every day is a highlight. Outside my office (now) there are 19 lions just 5m away

Marketing agent Greg Wood of Knight Frank Cairns said they would be scouring the globe looking for buyers.

The property includes a three bedroom house, a cafe and restaurant with all licences, a 445m Kennedy Highway boundary, all animal licences, enclosures, vehicles and other plant and equipment.

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