Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.