🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially 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 manager added.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.