🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.