🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.