🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.