Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified 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 decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.