🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the facility announced 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 decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.