🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.