🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.