🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property 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 landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

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

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.