🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.