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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.