Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.
In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner 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 landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.
“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.
In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.
“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.
“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.
The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.
The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”
The proprietor refused to comment.
The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.
A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”
The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.
The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
