🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later update, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.