A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.
The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.
In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”
“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.
“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.
In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.
“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.
However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.
“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.
The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.
The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.
“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”
The landowner declined to comment.
The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.
A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”
The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
