🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.