🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, 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 ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.