Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.