🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations 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 group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the facility 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” 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 several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.