🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.