🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.