🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.