🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.