🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.