Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangārei announced it will euthanize seven elderly lions after exhausting all financial options. The sanctuary confirmed its permanent closure on Tuesday, citing the inability to fund care for the aging animals.
“There were no real options left,” said sanctuary operator Janette Vallance. “The staff and I are devastated.” The lions, aged between 18 and 21, have already surpassed their typical lifespan in the wild.
The sanctuary explored relocation but found no realistic rehoming opportunities within New Zealand. “The memories and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in many hearts,” the park said in a statement.
Rising Costs Leave No Path Forward
The park explained that caring for large predators demands massive financial resources. “Our majestic big cats come at enormous cost to maintain properly,” the sanctuary stated. Expenses include food, supplements, staff wages, veterinary services, and compound upkeep.
Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary previously appealed to farmers for unwanted livestock to feed its big cats, which consume about three cows’ worth of meat each week. “We are currently running low, so your donations are greatly appreciated,” the park wrote on its website before announcing the closure.
The escalating costs, combined with declining income, left the facility unable to continue operations. Staff members expressed heartbreak over the decision but emphasized that humane euthanasia was the only viable choice.
Troubled Legacy of a Once-Famous Park
The sanctuary gained national attention in the early 2000s after featuring on a TV show about big cat handler Craig “The Lion Man” Busch. Busch later faced accusations of animal mistreatment, including housing animals in poor conditions.
In 2009, tragedy struck when a keeper was killed by a white tiger, leading the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to temporarily shut down the park.
The sanctuary currently lists 12 lions and one Bengal tiger on its website. Most of the big cats arrived in New Zealand as cubs between six months and three years old.
In its prime, Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary was home to 33 big cats — lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs — but years of controversy and financial strain have now brought a sorrowful end to its long history.
