Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

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 remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.