Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.