Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.