🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.