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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land 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.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.