Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.