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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.