🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, 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 not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.