🔗 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 fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.