Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand is facing a heartbreaking situation as they are forced to consider euthanizing five elderly lions due to financial struggles. The sanctuary, located in northern New Zealand’s Whangārei, has been hit hard by financial difficulties and is now seeking donations to feed the remaining big cats in order to avoid the tragic outcome. The lions at the sanctuary consume the equivalent of three cows’ worth of meat each week, a cost that the facility is finding hard to sustain.
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Sanctuary operator Janette Vallance expressed deep sorrow over the situation, stating, “There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated.” Earlier this week, two lions named Imvula and Sibili were euthanized due to health issues, leaving behind Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Themba. With limited options for rehoming within other zoos in New Zealand, the sanctuary is left with the difficult decision of euthanizing the elderly lions unless they receive enough support to sustain them.
A spokesperson for the sanctuary highlighted the significant costs involved in maintaining these majestic animals in a sanctuary setting, including expenses for feed, supplements, staff, maintenance, and veterinary care. To address the financial strain of feeding the lions, the sanctuary is appealing for the donation of live cows or horses. The facility is willing to accept unwanted livestock for free and ensures the humane slaughter and removal of the offerings from private properties.
The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, which currently houses 12 lions and one Bengal tiger, has a history of caring for exotic animals, with many of the big cats being brought to the sanctuary from overseas. Over the years, the sanctuary has faced challenges in providing for its animals, with the cost and resources required becoming increasingly unsustainable. Despite the difficult circumstances, the sanctuary remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its animals and is calling for support from the public.
As the sanctuary grapples with the impending closure and the fate of its elderly lions hangs in the balance, there is a sense of urgency to rally community support to save these animals from euthanasia. The sanctuary’s plea for donations is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife parks in caring for exotic animals and the critical need for sustainable funding to support their well-being. The closure of the sanctuary would mark the end of an era for these beloved animals and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of wildlife conservation efforts.
The heartbreaking situation at the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary underscores the importance of sustainable funding and public support for wildlife conservation initiatives. The plight of the elderly lions is a call to action for individuals and organisations to come together and ensure the welfare of these majestic creatures. With the future of the sanctuary and its animals hanging in the balance, every donation and act of support can make a difference in preserving the lives of these iconic big cats.