🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.