New Zealand Wildlife Park Forced to Euthanize 7 Lions Amid Financial Crisis
The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangarei, New Zealand, has announced a heart-wrenching decision to euthanize seven elderly lions due to severe financial difficulties. The sanctuary, known for housing a variety of big cats, stated that it has no viable options left and is closing down operations.
Details of the Euthanization Decision
According to Janette Vallance, the sanctuary’s operator, “There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated.” The lions, all between the ages of 18 and 21 years, have lived longer than the typical lifespan for their species in the wild. Unfortunately, no other New Zealand zoos could accommodate them.
The Financial Strain on the Sanctuary
The sanctuary acknowledged the high costs associated with caring for big cats. Maintaining an ideal environment for the lions demands substantial resources. These include:
- Food and supplements
- Veterinary care
- Grounds maintenance
- Experienced staff
Additionally, the sanctuary had previously appealed for donations of unwanted cows or horses to feed the lions, who require approximately three cows’ worth of meat each week. The wildlife park is currently experiencing a food shortage and is looking for support from the community.
Background of the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary
In the early 2000s, the sanctuary gained some fame through a television show featuring Craig “the Lion Man” Busch, a celebrity big cat handler. However, Busch faced serious allegations of animal rights abuses, raising concerns about the conditions in which the animals were kept.
A tragic incident occurred in 2009 when a keeper was killed by a white tiger at the sanctuary. Following this event, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ordered the temporary closure of the wildlife park.
The Current Status of Big Cats
The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary currently has 12 lions and one Bengal tiger. Most of these big cats were born abroad and brought to New Zealand at young ages, typically between six months and three years. At its peak, the sanctuary housed 33 big cats, including various species like leopards and cheetahs.
The decision to euthanize these lions marks a tragic turning point for the sanctuary and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife facilities in managing care for aging animals amidst financial strain.
