New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanizes Two Troubled Lions

A wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has made the difficult decision to euthanize two lions due to ongoing financial difficulties. The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Whangārei, has been for sale since August. As the sanctuary faces a critical situation, it cited “serious health conditions” in the ageing big cats as the primary reason for this heart-wrenching choice.

Details of the Euthanasia Decision

The sanctuary stated that the remaining five lions’ fate is still uncertain. Janette Vallance, the park’s operator, mentioned in a Facebook post that property owners Bolton Equities initially considered euthanizing all seven lions after the park’s last operating weekend.

• All the lions were aged between 18 and 21 years.
• The lions suffered from treatable health conditions that were deteriorating.
• No viable relocation option was available for the remaining lions.

Financial Struggles and Past Controversies

This tragic event is part of the troubled history of the wildlife sanctuary. It first gained popularity through a reality television show featuring its founder, Craig Busch, famously known as the “Lion Man.” The sanctuary made global headlines in 2009 when a rare white tiger fatally mauled a zookeeper, leading to significant health and safety violations and a fine of NZ$60,000 (£26,000).

Bolton Equities acquired the sanctuary in 2014 after it was closed due to inadequate animal enclosure standards. The park remained shuttered for seven years before reopening in 2021. However, by 2023, the sanctuary faced involuntary liquidation.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Despite the euthanasia of the two lions, Vallance noted a “glimmer of hope” in recent interest from potential buyers for the facility. The future of the remaining lions depends on securing a new owner capable of providing the necessary resources for their care.

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed that the decision to euthanize the lions ultimately rests with the sanctuary’s owners. The park’s operator has stated that they are diligently exploring all potential options for saving the remaining lions.