🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.