Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.