🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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 deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.