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

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.