🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.