🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.