🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed 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 worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.