🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“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 significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.