🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

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 significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.