🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.