🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.