Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain
A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.
The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.
In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”
“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.
“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.
In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.
The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.
The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”
The landowner refused to comment.
The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.
A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.
“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”
The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.
