Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later update, the facility 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 not treatable and were worsening. 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 humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.