🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.