Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.