Hidden behind a nondescript wall in Mtaħleb lies Malta’s first small-scale zoo where lions, tigers, lemurs, otters, wallabies and flamingos coexist.

The Wildlife Park Malta is also home to Lentilka, the 380-kilogram Bengal tiger, which caused an uproar in October 2009 when she was discovered living at the top of a sprawling Mosta warehouse.

The arrival of Lentilka had exposed the absence of regulations for exotic animals when imported as pets, but legislation coming into force in April means these will have to be registered and properly licensed.

Since 2009, Mr Borg has been tiptoeing through a minefield of planning authority obstacles to regularise his position, but last Thursday Mepa finally sanctioned his set-up in Mtaħleb.

His next step is to apply for a zoo licence with the veterinary department enabling him to finally fulfil his dream to turn the place into an attraction.

The park has two other Bengal tigers, two lions, two pumas, and two lynx.

Each wildcat was brought from a zoo or circus and, apart from the lynx, were just a few days old when they arrived and needed Mr Borg to bottlefeed and raise them.

See video above and read Mr Borg's comments on The Sunday Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.