🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.