🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations 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, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.