🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.