Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.