Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.