🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of 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 employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.