🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.