A troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park says it has been forced to euthanize its elderly lions, saying the fate of its five remaining lions is not justified by financial constraints.
The privately owned Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors at the weekend.
In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, the sanctuary said that the owner of the Equities of 32.5ha sold in 18 and 21 years old, will follow a difficult decision made by the owner of the owner “.
“There are no options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said Janette Balclance, Sanctuary operator.
“While it may continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future will require not only the purchase of land but significant capital investment.
In an update on Thursday, the sanctuary confirmed two of its lions had been euthanised.
“Yesterday we said Imvula and Sibili, who both have serious health conditions that cannot be treated and are getting worse. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration.
But there is a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary says will be put down.
“Some people have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to take care of the lions. While time is running out, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”
Moving the lions to another facility was not a “can or option” he said, given their age, the number of cats involved and their complex needs.
Sanctuary updates have been flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for the remaining lions, while staff members told Broadcaster Rnz they expect the sanctuary to justify it.
Shock said that among the good messages and words of gratitude, he also received threatening and abusive comments.
“It’s very sad,” he said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this sad situation.”
Bolton Equities has been approached for comment.
The administration for the Primary Industries (MPI) said the decision of the euta that the cats will be placed with the owners, and it was announced in the plan.
The Deputy Director General of Biosecurity New Zealand, Stuart Anderson, told the Guardian that Euthanasia must be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare legislation.
“MPI has an animal welfare inspector to verify it’s done right,” Anderson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet animal welfare and content obligations.”
The Sanctuary shot to minor fame in the early 2000s when it was featured on a television show about Celebrity Big Cat Cater Craig.
But soon problems started. In 2009, a handler died of a white tiger while cleaning the enclosure.
The park often runs into financial and employment issues, and has changed ownership several times. In 2014 the Ministry of Primary Industries was ordered to close the park until the enclosures were upgraded. It opened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
With France-Presse