Lions euthanised after New Zealand private zoo closure

Two elderly lions at New Zealand's Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangārei have been euthanised after the owners announced closure, and determined that ongoing care or relocation for the lions was not an option.

Five other lions remain at the closed site while discussions continue over a possible sale of the property.

Their future is uncertain, although the private facility has indicated it hopes they may avoid the same fate if a new owner is able to provide specialist lifetime care.

The heartbreaking reality of captivity

The euthanasia of these lions has drawn public interest and concern, highlighting the difficult, often hidden realities behind animals kept in captivity for entertainment.

When wild animals age in captive settings, suitable retirement options are limited. Many facilities are not equipped to provide lifelong sanctuary care, and safe relocation becomes increasingly complex as animals grow older and develop specialist medical requirements.

This tragic situation shows that there is no true retirement for wild animals bred and kept captive for visitor experiences. Once the doors close or funding declines, animals who cannot be released into the wild are left vulnerable.

A model that cannot stand the test of time

Wild animals such as lions are not adapted for life in captivity. In nature, lions roam vast territories, form social prides, and engage in complex behaviours.

In captivity their space, social opportunities, and stimulation are restricted, often leading to frustration, health issues, and a life far removed from their natural existence.

Captive lions are expected to be docile, sometimes even playful, and only when they act on their natural instincts people are reminded that they are wild animals. 

Captivity is no life for a wild animal. We need an end to the breeding and keeping of wild animals for entertainment, and a shift toward systems that genuinely protect their welfare.

Tourists can play a big part in this shift by supporting efforts that promote travelling responsibly and seeing wildlife without exploiting them. 

Our ongoing work to protect wild animals

We are calling for an end to captive wildlife entertainment globally. We continue to work with governments and partners to strengthen policies, end commercial breeding of wild species, and support sanctuaries focused purely on animal welfare rather than public interactions.

There is growing public support for change. More people are increasingly understanding that wild animals are sentient and belong in the wild, not confined for photo opportunities or performances.

Change must happen

To prevent more situations like this, we are calling for:

• An end to captive wildlife breeding for entertainment or tourism
• Stronger national protections for wild animals kept in private collections
• Greater investment in true sanctuaries focused on welfare, not visitor experiences

The loss of these lions is deeply sad. While the remaining five may still have a future if sanctuary-level care can be secured under new ownership, this situation is just another example that shows that keeping wild animals for entertainment is neither ethical nor sustainable.

All animals deserve a life that respects their nature. To honour these animals, we must ensure no more are confined in a system that cannot give them a life worth living.