🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility 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 carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.