🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.