🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.