Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.