Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.