🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.