🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.