🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.