🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.