Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.