🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.