🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility 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 demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.