🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.