🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.