🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.