🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.