Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.