Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.