🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary 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 choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.