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

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land 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.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified 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 profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.