Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.