Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a later update, the park 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.