A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.
The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.
In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”
“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.
“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.
In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.
The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.
The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”
The proprietor declined to comment.
The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.
A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.
“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”
The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.
However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.
The park frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
