Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame 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 mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.