🔗 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 destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.