🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.