Lions at Whangārei’s Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
An embattled Whangārei lion park says “a glimmer of hope” has emerged that its five remaining big cats may yet be saved.
News on Monday that the owners of Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, Bolton Equities, had decided to put down the park’s seven big cats triggered an outpouring of both consternation and sympathy, with the story reported around the world.
The 32.5ha park closed to the public on 2 November and was for sale.
Via a post on social media, park operator Janette Vallance said two of the lions – Imvula and Sibili – were euthanised on Wednesday due to untreatable, and worsening, health conditions.
However, there was now “a glimmer of hope” for the five remaining lions – Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Themba.
Vallance said a few people had expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions.
“While the timeframe is short and the situation remains uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive,” she said.
Vallance said the park had also been in contact with the animal rescue group HUHA, and “remained open to any constructive conversations that may help secure a future for the remaining lions”.
Janette Vallance with one of the sanctuary’s lions.
Photo: RNZ / Sam Olley
She said however due to the cats’ advanced age, number and complex needs, relocating them to another facility was neither viable nor humane.
She said the park had been informed only 10 days ago that its funding would be terminated, adding “immense pressure” at what was already a difficult time.
Vallance said she had been subjected to many threatening and abusive messages overnight. She understood emotions were running high over the lions’ fate, but asked for kindness and respect as the park team “navigated a heartbreaking situation”.
There had also been many messages of condolence and support, she said.
Imvula was a 21-year-old African lioness born in South Africa. Sibili was an 18-year-old male born in Te Kamo, along with his brother Sabie.
It was not clear when Sabie died.
The five remaining lions were between 18 and 20 years old, significantly older than the 10 to 16 years typical in the wild.
Owners Bolton Equities previously funded the cats’ containment and welfare, which were monitored by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The company did not respond to requests for comment.
At its peak, the sanctuary – previously known as Zion Wildlife Gardens – had more than 30 big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs.
It became famous through the TV series Lion Man, which focused on founder Craig Busch and his relationship with the big cats.
Controversy was, however, never far away.
Craig Busch’s mother, Patricia Busch, bailed out the park and became the sole director in 2006 when it ran into financial difficulties.
The pair later fell out and the park went into receivership in 2011, when the then much younger cats also faced the possibility of euthanasia.
The park’s darkest day came in May 2009 when keeper Dalu Mncube was mauled to death by a white tiger.
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