🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.