🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.