🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.