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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary 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 group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

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

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.