Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.