Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.