🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.