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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats 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 desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.