🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.