🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.