Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, 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 restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.