Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

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

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.