🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.