🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.