Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.