Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

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

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

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.