🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation 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 “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.