🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.