Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.