Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility 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 declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.