🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.