🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.