🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.