A real estate agent selling the former Franklin Zoo south of Auckland is hoping a potential American buyer could keep the zoo going.
Franklin Zoo has been closed to the public since a former circus elephant, Mila, accidentally killed her trainer, Dr Helen Schofield, last year. Staff have relocated the animals, but still hope the site can remain as an animal centre.
The site near Pukekohe has a price tag of between $1.8 million and $2.2 million.
Barfoot and Thompson agent Suzy Causebrook said an American man is visiting the site in the New Year to decide whether he wants to buy it and keep it as a zoo.
There has been some interest from people looking for a lifestyle block and also from someone considering using it for a cattery or kennels.