🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.