Wildlife park begins euthanizing lions, citing financial problems, but says there is a ‘glimmer of hope’
A New Zealand wildlife park that said it did be forced to euthanize Seven elderly lions due to financial difficulties shot down two of the big cats.
The Kamo Wildlife Reserve said Tuesday it had no choice but to euthanize the animals. Resettling the big cats was not a “viable or humane option” due to their “age, numbers and complex needs,” the sanctuary said in an updated statement Thursday. The lions are between 18 and 21 years old, which is longer than they would have lived in the wild.
The park said two lions, named Imvula and Sibili, were shot dead on Wednesday. Both animals had “serious health issues that were untreatable and deteriorating,” the sanctuary said, and the decision to euthanize them was “made with great care and consideration.”
The sanctuary said the welfare of the five surviving lions continues to be their priority and they are still seeking a solution for the surviving lions. Some have expressed interest in purchasing the park and continuing to care for the lions, the sanctuary said, which provides “a glimmer of hope.”
“Although the time frame is short and the situation remains uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and remain hopeful,” the park wrote on social media. The sanctuary did not say how much time the remaining lions might have.
The park said it had received supportive condolences and “threatening and abusive messages” since announcing the need to euthanize the lions. The sanctuary asked for “kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”
The park’s website features 12 lions and a Bengal tiger. The zoo did not say what would happen to the five lions who are not expected to be euthanized. Caring for big cats “is very expensive,” according to the park’s website. The sanctuary has already solicited donations of unwanted cows or horses to feed the animals, which eat about three cows’ worth of meat each week.
