🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.