🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.