🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.