Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.