🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.