Overview
- The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Northland is shutting after state support ended, leaving care and relocation options constrained.
- Two lions were put down on Wednesday evening due to unhealable conditions, according to operator Janette Vallance.
- Five remaining lions — Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Themba — are about 18 to 21 years old and could also be euthanized in the coming days.
- Vallance says several parties have expressed interest in taking over the site and caring for the animals, but the timeframe and feasibility remain uncertain.
- Public anger has escalated on social media, and the operator reports receiving threats, as the sanctuary’s troubled history — including a 2009 keeper death and a 2023 leopard euthanasia — adds scrutiny.