🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.