Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.