🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.