Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

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

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.