🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary 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 uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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 deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.