🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.