Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained 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 soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.