Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“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 profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

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 ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.