🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.