🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.