Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining 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 a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.