🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility explained 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.