Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.