🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.