🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property 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 team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.