🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.