Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

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

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.