Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.