Cleo is one of the wildlife sanctuary's remaining lions, whose future hangs in the balance. Photo / NZME
Whangārei’s lion park and its remaining five big cats have been offered a “glimmer of hope”.
The Northern Advocate broke the news on Tuesday that the last seven and elderly lions at the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary were to be put down.
While two of the lions, Imvula and Sibili, were euthanised yesterday because of ill health, the park’s owners Bolton Equities and its facility operator Janette Vallance say they are making every last-ditch effort to save the final five.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed Wednesday’s process had adhered to the Animal Welfare Act.
Imvula was a 21-year-old African lioness born at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in Krugersdorp, South Africa.
Sibili, an 18-year-old male, was born at the Kamo sanctuary, along with his brother Sabie, who is not one of the five big cats left.
In an update today, Vallance said the two euthanised lions had untreatable conditions and were deteriorating.
“These decisions were made with deep care and consideration.”
She said the wellbeing of the five remaining lions – females Shikira, 21, and Cleo, 19, and males Abdullah, 19, and 18-year-old brothers Timba and Themba – was a priority.
“We want to reassure everyone that we have thoroughly investigated options for the remaining lions.
“Unfortunately, due to their age, number and complex needs, relocation is not a viable or humane option.”
International research suggests lions in captivity may live into their late teens or early twenties.
The Northern Advocate has previously reported expert comment that the lions cannot be released into the wild because they lack the hunting and social skills needed to survive.
Rehoming them to a zoo, sanctuary or suitably registered welfare centre was unlikely because of their number.
“However, there is a glimmer of hope,” Vallance said, with some individuals expressing an interest in buying the sanctuary and continuing to care for the lions.
The 32.5ha property was put up for sale in August.
Vallance claimed “immense pressure” had been added to the situation after the sanctuary learned 10 days ago that its funding was being cut.
“While the timeframe is short and the situation remains uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”
Bolton Equities director Laurie Margrain said they had indicated for some years that there was an end game and notice had been given more recently.
He said Bolton Equities was making every last-ditch effort possible to avoid the last big cats being euthanised.
“We’re talking to all sorts of sanctuary people, animal welfare people, MPI. To date, we have not found a solution that would prevent this outcome.
“We’re doing our very, very best,” Margrain said.
Vallance said they had been in contact with animal rescue charity Huha NZ.
“We remain open to any constructive conversations that may help secure a future for the remaining lions.”
Huha NZ chief executive Carolyn Press-McKenzie said the charitable trust reached out to the wildlife sanctuary after hearing about the lions.
“We said, we know this is a really tough time and there’s big decisions being made, but did you want us to just see if we can sort of test our resources.”
Huha NZ has previously found places for circus monkeys and crocodiles from the Solomon Islands, so they wanted a chance to try save the lions.
Press-McKenzie said they asked Bolton Equities and Vallance to put the euthanasia on hold.
" ... We were just really impressed at how open they were to give us a minute to just try and see if there’s something we could do.
“Now we’re kind of doing a little hustle to see if we can pull off a miracle,” Press-McKenzie said.
Huha NZ was working with potential buyers of the property as well as looking at offshore options.
Press-McKenzie said the owners found that less favourable given the lions’ ages and fragility.
“New owners for the property would be obviously the best way forward.”
However, the time frame, believed to be days, was tight.
“We just don’t know if we’re going to pull it off but we haven’t run out of puff yet. We’re going for it,” Press-McKenzie said.
International partners had got onboard as had Safe [Save Animals From Exploitation], who were working alongside Huha NZ to find a solution.
“But if it doesn’t work out, everyone needs to know, you know, every avenue was tried,” Press-McKenzie said.
News of the lions’ fate earlier this week created both an uproar and a wave of sympathy.
Vallance said that, while she had received many kind messages of condolence and support, there had also been the opposite.
“Sadly, overnight, the tone of some messages directed at me personally has become threatening and abusive.
“We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”
MPI said it had staff on-site on Tuesday to check the park’s plan. They returned yesterday after the two lions were euthanised.
The sanctuary has closed to the public.
It was once home to 33 endangered cats, including lions, white tigers, leopards and cheetahs.
That was in the early 2000s, when it was called Zion Wildlife Gardens and controversial founder Craig Busch, dubbed “The Lion Man”, was operator.
New Zealand’s only black leopard, Mandla, lived at the sanctuary until a rapid health decline meant he was euthanised in 2023.