🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” 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 grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.