Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

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

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.