🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.