Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.