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

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.