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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. 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 previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.