A New Zealand Sanctuary Is Asking for Cow and Horse Donations to Feed 5 Lions or the Big Cats Will Be Euthanized

A wildlife park in northern New Zealand is preparing to euthanize its five remaining elderly lions as it faces severe financial difficulties and dwindling resources.

The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Whangārei, announced that it will be permanently closing after years of financial strain. According to a report by CBS News, the lions consume roughly the equivalent of three cows’ worth of meat each week, a cost the sanctuary can no longer sustain. “This has been an incredibly hard time for all of us,” said sanctuary operator Janette Vallance on Tuesday, Nov. 4. “There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated.”

Just one day earlier, on Monday, Nov. 3, two lions — Imvula and Sibili — were euthanized due to ongoing health problems. The remaining lions are Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Themba.

A spokesperson for the sanctuary told the outlet that rehoming the animals is not possible, as other New Zealand zoos lack the capacity to take in additional big cats. “The memories and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in the hearts of many,” the spokesperson said. “Our extraordinary, majestic big cats come at an enormous cost to maintain in an ideal environment such as a wildlife sanctuary. Feed, supplements, experienced staff, compound and grounds maintenance, vets, and more all exert pressure on our purse,” the park shared online.

To help offset food expenses, the sanctuary is asking local residents to donate unwanted livestock — including sick, injured, or unwanted cows or horses — which staff will “humanely” slaughter and remove from private properties at no charge.

The sanctuary currently cares for 12 lions and one Bengal tiger, most of which were brought from overseas when they were between six months and three years old. At its peak in the early 2000s, it housed 33 large cats — including lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs — according to RNZ.

With costs soaring and resources running dry, the sanctuary’s leadership says it has reached a painful conclusion. “While the timeframe is short and the situation remains uncertain,” Vallance said, “we are doing everything we can… to keep hope alive.”