🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.