🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.