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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.