🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.