Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

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

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

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

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.