🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.