Lion’s Gate Wild Animal Sanctuary
Horrifically, on April 20, 2017, Lions Gate Wild Animal Sanctuary euthanized three lions, three tigers and five bears, all of its remaining animals, after its relocation request was denied.
According to the Denver Post, owners Laub and Peter Winney felt forced to do so following a unanimous vote by the Elbert County Board of commissioners to deny the sanctuary its bid to move to a new location.
The sanctuary claimed the need to move was based on its current property experiencing recurring flooding that made it unsafe.
“The ongoing flooding, damage, and future risks prevents us from reasonably continuing our operation and caring for our animals at the present location,” said Laub in a statement to Denver7.
Referring to what tragically became a life or death decision, Commissioner Grant Thayer said the vote to deny the sanctuary a special-use permit was made because the commissioners “felt that the community impact would be best served if it was denied.”
It was the second time the sanctuary unsuccessfully petitioned a move; with the first request being denied in 2006.
According to reports, people living near the relocation site in Elizabeth, had long opposed the move, citing that it was inappropriate “for a rural neighborhood mostly known for an equine lifestyle.”
The Denver Post
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department told Denver7 that officials were aware that the animals were killed and buried on the property but that no regulations were violated.
Though there are differing opinions about the heartbreaking outcome, the sanctuary insisted they tried everything possible to save the animals.
A Facebook post on Lion’s Gate Sanctuary page, which described the Winneys as “completely devastated” stated that the owners “have sacrificed so much that very few people in the world would, to keep the animals happy and healthy.”
