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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.