🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed 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 worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.