🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the facility verified 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.