Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.