🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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 deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.