🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.