Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

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

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.