Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.