🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.