Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced 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 incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.