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

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.