Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand warned it will euthanise five lions unless a buyer saves the park. Staff killed two lions last week due to severe, untreatable health conditions. Facility operator Janette Vallance said the decision was difficult, noting the cats were 18 to 21 years old. The sanctuary has struggled financially for decades and has been up for sale since August. Vallance described the remaining lions’ fate as a “glimmer of hope,” as potential buyers have expressed interest in caring for them.
Hope Emerges Amid Uncertainty
Vallance posted on Facebook that a “few individuals” want to purchase the sanctuary and continue lion care. She stressed the timeline is short and the situation remains precarious. “We are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive,” she said. The sanctuary gained fame after a reality TV show starring founder Craig Busch, but its history includes tragedy. In 2009, a white tiger killed a zookeeper, and the park faced international scrutiny for safety violations.
Struggling Parks Face Similar Crises
Bolton Equities bought the sanctuary in 2014 after it closed for failing enclosure standards. The park reopened in 2021 but entered involuntary liquidation in 2023. A similar crisis struck a Canadian marine park, which threatened to euthanise all whales unless the government provided funding or allowed rehoming. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied exporting belugas to China, citing exploitation risks. Since 2019, one orca and 19 belugas died at the park, which has also suffered falling attendance.
