Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.