🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.