🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.