🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.