Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.