🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.