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

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.