Mike Lockyer , zoo director in United Kingdom dead 2007-02-25 . 2007: MIKE LOCKYER, an animal expert and safari park pioneer has died at the age of 75. Lockyer worked with animals for almost half a century and retired as zoological director at Port Lympne and Howletts wild animal parks in Kent two years ago. A partnership with former circus owner Jimmy Chipperfield saw Mr Lockyer help Lord Bath set up the world’s first safari park outside Africa at Longleat in Wiltshire. He joined Howletts and Port Lympne in 1984 and ran successful breeding programmes across many Species. He leaves a widow, Toni, three stepchildren, three sisters and one brother. Mr Lockyer’s ashes were buried underneath the lion enclosure at Port Lympne.