🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.