Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.