🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.