🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.