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

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified 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 not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.