Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

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

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

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.