🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.