🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.