🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.