🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.